Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Osteoarthritis

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) using Embosphere Microspheres for knee osteoarthritis. Participants aged 40-80 with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2-3 OA and meaningful knee pain will undergo GAE and be followed for approximately three years, including a screening visit, the procedure, and six follow-up visits. The study collects medical history, imaging, and pain questionnaires to assess outcomes while monitoring for adverse events. Eligibility requires radiographic OA severity, adequate pain, prior conservative therapy, and ability to comply with follow-up. Exclusion criteria include inflammatory arthritis, prior knee arthroplasty in the affected knee, significant kidney dysfunction, contrast allergy, infection, pregnancy, and other risks that could affect participation.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 40-80 years
* Mild-to-moderate knee OA as determined by radiographs demonstrating Kellgren- Lawrence grade 2-3
* Self-reported pain of at least 5/10 VAS questionnaire
* Failure of conservative therapy, such as pain medications, for at least 3 months
* Patient must understand and sign the informed consent
* Patient can comply with the proposed follow-up schedule
* Patient can follow the post-operative management

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of rheumatoid arthritis
* Renal insufficiency precluding angiography (GFR \< 50 mL/min)
* Irreversible coagulopathy
* Previous knee arthroplasty on the intended knee
* Existing knee joint infection
* Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1 or 4
* Severe atherosclerosis as manifest by claudication and/or diminished peripheral pulses
* Life expectancy \< 6 months
* Infectious arthritis
* Allergy to iodinated contrast resulting in anaphylaxis
* Pregnant or interested in becoming pregnant three months from the date of the GAE procedure
* Involved in litigation or worker's compensation claims

Where it's running

• Northwestern University
  Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Robert Lewandowski, MD — Northwestern University
• Study coordinator: Robert Lewandowski, MD
• Email: r-lewandowki@northwestern.edu
• Phone: 312-695-9121

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Autologous adipose-derived stem cell injections for knee osteoarthritis

  We’re testing whether injecting a patient’s own fat-derived stem cells into the knee can help people with knee OA feel less pain and move better, compared with a standard hyaluronic acid treatment.

  Recruiting at 3 sites Yonsei University · Incheon and 2 other locations · NCT07901790

• Can robotic-assisted knee replacement with functional alignment improve outcomes vs. standard knee replacement?

  This trial tests whether using the VELYS robotic system during total knee replacement helps patients with knee osteoarthritis feel better and move more comfortably compared with conventional non-robotic surgery.

  Recruiting Golden Jubilee National Hospital · Glasgow, Scotland · NCT07551856

• Bimodal vs Unimodal High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis

  This trial will test whether applying high-intensity pulsed electromagnetic fields to both the knee and quadriceps reduces pain and improves function more than applying it only to the knee in adults 60 and older with knee osteoarthritis.

  Recruiting Hospital Civil de Guadalajara · Guadalajara, Jalisco · NCT07198750

• Assessing knee osteoarthritis in patients with tibial plateau fractures in Norrbotten

  This study looks at how common knee osteoarthritis is in people from Norrbotten, Sweden who had tibial plateau fractures, and it also checks how different factors might affect their recovery.

  Recruiting Umeå University · Luleå, Norrbotten County · NCT06451510

• Effects of virtual reality on walking in adults with knee osteoarthritis

  This study tests how immersive virtual reality environments—designed to feel safe or to provoke fear—affect walking and worry about movement in adults 50 and older with knee osteoarthritis and in healthy peers.

  Recruiting University of Primorska · Vilnius and 1 other locations · NCT07920120

• Weekly berobenatide for knee osteoarthritis in adults who are overweight or obese

  This study tests whether weekly berobenatide helps reduce knee pain and improve function, while also affecting body weight, in adults with knee osteoarthritis who are overweight or obese (with or without type 2 diabetes).

  Recruiting Phase 3 Pfizer · Birmingham, Alabama and 3 other locations · NCT07915609

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.