Comparing genicular artery embolization and corticosteroid injections for knee osteoarthritis pain relief

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) vs inTra-articular Corticosteroid Injection for Osteoarthritic Knee Pain. (GET-IN Study)

This study is testing whether a new treatment called genicular artery embolization can help relieve knee pain better than steroid injections for people over 40 with knee osteoarthritis that hasn't improved with other treatments.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 40 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: National Taiwan University Hospital (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Douliu, Yunlin)
• Trial ID: NCT06929585 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness and safety of genicular artery embolization (GAE) as a minimally invasive treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain compared to intra-articular corticosteroid injections. It is designed as a randomized controlled trial with a 12-month follow-up to assess pain relief and functional outcomes. Eligible participants are individuals over 40 years old who have symptomatic knee OA that has not responded to conservative treatments. The primary outcome measures pain reduction using a numeric rating scale, while secondary outcomes include functional improvement, quality of life assessments, imaging findings, and monitoring of adverse events.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 40 and older with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis that has not improved with conservative treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with recent knee trauma, severe renal dysfunction, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis pain.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of genicular artery embolization is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in pain management for osteoarthritis.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 40 years
2. Symptomatic knee pain, with numeric rating scale (NRS) ≥ 4.
3. Insufficient or resistant to conservative treatment, including oral analgesics, physical therapy, intra-articular injections for at least 3 months, before the enrollment.
4. Weight bearing X ray of knee: osteoarthritis of Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1, 2, or 3.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of trauma in recent 6 months.
2. Bleeding tendency.
3. Poor renal function (serum creatinine \> 2.0 mg/dL).
4. Pregnancy or breast-feeding.
5. Severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).
6. Local infections or inflammatory arthritis of knee.
7. Rheumatoid arthritis or other rheumatological diseases.
8. Prior knee surgeries (arthroscopic surgery, menisci repair, cruciate ligament reconstruction, arthroplasty of knee) due to knee pain.
9. Malignancy
10. ECOG \> grade 2
11. Life expectancy less than 2 years.
12. Any other condition related to the patient's health, regarded exclusionary in the opinion of the investigator.

Where this trial is running

Douliu, Yunlin

• National Taiwan University Hosiptal Yunlin Branch — Douliu, Yunlin, Taiwan (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Yu-Chen Wang, M.D.

Conditions Osteoarthritis of the Knee; knee osteoarthritis; genicular artery embolization; imipenem/cilastatin; intra-articular corticosteroid injection