Genicular Artery Embolization for Persistent Pain after Total Knee Arthroplasty: Initial Clinical Experience

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pain Management

Background:

• Chronic knee pain is a common complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
• Persistent pain often requires advanced treatment strategies beyond conservative management.
• Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an emerging interventional technique for managing knee pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of GAE for chronic knee pain post-TKA.
• To evaluate GAE in patients with refractory pain despite conservative therapies.
• To analyze pain reduction, functional improvement, and adverse events following GAE.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 18 GAE procedures in 16 patients with persistent post-TKA pain.
• Clinical outcomes assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and WOMAC scores pre- and post-embolization.
• Technical success, adverse events, and analgesic consumption were systematically recorded.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in mean VAS scores (7.0 to 3.4, P < .001) and total WOMAC scores (45.7 to 24.1, P < .001).
• Clinical success (≥50% VAS/WOMAC reduction) achieved in 62.5% and 50% of patients at 6 months, respectively.
• Reduced analgesic use reported by 62.5% of patients; no major complications observed.

Conclusions:

• GAE demonstrates safety and efficacy in managing refractory chronic knee pain after TKA.
• The procedure led to significant improvements in pain, function, and stiffness.
• GAE represents a promising therapeutic option for carefully selected patients with post-TKA knee pain.