Evaluating the Safety and Effectiveness of Quick-Soluble Gelatin Sponge Particles for Genicular Artery Embolization for Chronic Knee Pain Associated with Osteoarthritis

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of genicular artery embolization (GAE) using quick-soluble gelatin sponge particles (QS-GSPs) to alleviate chronic knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study included 71 patients (97 procedures, including 26 patients for both knees) who underwent GAE to treat osteoarthritic knee pain between August 2019 and January 2022. QS-GSPs were used for all the procedures. Technical success was defined as the embolization of at least 1 feeding artery. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Clinical success was defined as a decrease in the VAS score of >50%. ResultsThe technical success rate was 100% (97 of 97). The mean VAS scores at baseline, immediately after TAE, and at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after TAE were 6.3, 4.3, 5.0, 3.0, 2.9, 2.9, and 2.8, respectively. The clinical success rate was 72% (70 of 97 patients) at 6 months. No major adverse events were reported, and temporary skin color change (50.5%, 49 of 97) and hematoma at the puncture site (10.3%, 10 of 97) were observed. ConclusionsGAE using QS-GSPs had a high technical success rate and was considered safe. Clinical outcomes using QS-GSPs were comparable with those of existing materials.