Genicular artery embolisation for pain from knee osteoarthritis

NICE did a rapid review of the published literature on the efficacy and safety of this procedure. This comprised a comprehensive literature search and detailed review of the evidence from 7 sources, which was discussed by the committee. The evidence included 1 systematic review and 6 case series (one of which was a published abstract). It is presented in the summary of key evidence section in the interventional procedures overview. Other relevant literature is in the appendix of the overview.

The professional experts and the committee considered the key efficacy outcomes to be: pain reduction, symptom and function improvement using validated scoring systems, and quality of life.

The professional experts and the committee considered the key safety outcomes to be: bleeding, puncture-site haematoma, paraesthesia, embolisation of normal structures, and increased risk of complications after future knee surgery.

Patient commentary was sought but none was received.

The committee considered that this procedure has the potential to be useful in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, but noted that this is a common condition and its severity varies widely. The need to define those who would benefit from this procedure underpinned the committee's request for further research.

The committee encourages the establishment of a registry for this procedure.

The committee was informed that resorbable embolic particles might be available and used for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in the future.