Interventional Therapies for Osteoarthritis: An Update.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Radiology
• Pain Management

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent global disease with increasing incidence due to aging populations.
• Current OA treatments, including oral medications (e.g., NSAIDs) and surgery, have limitations.
• There is a growing demand for minimally invasive techniques for OA management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review conventional and emerging minimally invasive treatments for osteoarthritis.
• To discuss the mechanisms of action, contraindications, complications, and efficacy of these treatments.
• To highlight the role of image guidance in minimally invasive OA interventions.

Main Methods:

• Review of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic minimally invasive OA treatments.
• Discussion of image guidance modalities (fluoroscopy, CT, ultrasound).
• Categorization of treatments including injections (anti-inflammatories, viscosupplements, biologics) and procedures (subchondroplasty, nerve ablation, genicular artery embolization, pulsed radiofrequency, focused ultrasound).

Main Results:

• Minimally invasive techniques have rapidly expanded over the past two decades.
• Image guidance is crucial for precise localization and maximal therapeutic effect.
• Various minimally invasive options exist, ranging from injections to advanced percutaneous interventions.

Conclusions:

• Minimally invasive treatments offer promising alternatives or adjuncts to conventional OA therapies.
• The selection of image guidance modality depends on clinician experience, patient factors, and equipment availability.
• Continued research and development in minimally invasive OA treatments are essential.