Genicular Artery Embolization for Chronic Exudative Knee Synovitis: Prospective 6-Month Clinical and Functional...

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pain Management

Background:

• Chronic knee synovitis presents a significant challenge, often inadequately managed by conservative treatments.
• Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an emerging minimally invasive option for refractory knee pain.
• Assessing GAE's impact on both subjective and objective patient outcomes is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of genicular artery embolization (GAE) in managing chronic knee synovitis.
• To analyze changes in pain, function, quality of life, range of motion, and muscle strength post-GAE.
• To investigate the correlation between radiological findings, embolized vessel count, and treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 34 patients with chronic exudative knee arthritis refractory to standard treatments underwent GAE.
• Subjective outcomes were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS).
• Objective outcomes included knee range of motion and muscle strength, assessed via goniometry and dynamometry before and after GAE.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in VAS pain scores and all KOOS subscales up to 6 months post-GAE.
• No significant time-dependent changes were noted in objective parameters like range of motion or muscle strength.
• Exploratory analysis indicated a correlation between improved knee extensor strength and reduced pain, and increased range of motion.

Conclusions:

• GAE demonstrates potential as a minimally invasive treatment for chronic knee synovitis, improving patient-reported outcomes.
• Clinically meaningful improvements in pain and function suggest GAE is a viable option for selected patients.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the objective benefits and long-term efficacy of GAE.