Genicular Artery Embolization for Severe Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
Official title: Prospective Randomized Trial Evaluating the Role of Genicular Artery Embolization in Treatment of Persistent Pain in Patients With Severe Knee Osteoarthritis
Run by King Abdullah International Medical Research Center · NCT07763158 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether blocking blood flow to knee arteries can reduce persistent pain in adults with severe knee osteoarthritis who have not improved with standard care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | King Abdullah International Medical Research Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Jeddah, Mecca Region) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 4, 2024 |
| Main results expected | October 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07763158 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 or older with severe knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or higher) who have persistent pain after conservative therapy and are unable to have surgery due to medical conditions.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recent intra-articular injections (within 6 months), prior knee arthroplasty, or conditions like malignancy or renal impairment may not benefit as expected.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this randomized trial, adults with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or higher knee osteoarthritis and persistent pain despite conservative therapy are assigned to either genicular artery embolization or continued non-surgical care. Pain and function are measured before treatment and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months using VAS and the WOMAC index. The study uses opaque envelope randomization and analyzes outcomes with SPSS, comparing embolization to conservative management. Primary focus is pain reduction; secondary focus is improvement in function. Enrollment is conducted at King Abdullah International Medical Research Center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience meaningful reductions in knee pain and improvements in function without surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in similar vascular approaches have shown promise, but this specific embolization strategy for osteoarthritis is relatively novel and its effectiveness remains being established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged 18 years or older of either sex. Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis with a Kellgren-Lawrence grade of 3 or higher. Persistent knee pain resistant to conservative treatment for at least 3 months. Conservative treatment includes NSAIDs, physiotherapy, weight reduction programs, and intra-articular injections. Patients with multiple comorbidities who are indicated for operative treatment, such as total knee arthroplasty, for pain management but are unable to undergo surgery due to their medical status. Exclusion Criteria: Previous knee arthroplasty in the affected knee. Known malignancy. Local infection. Rheumatoid arthritis. Intra-articular injection in the affected knee within the previous 6 months. Body weight greater than 150 kg. Renal impairment. Irreversible coagulopathy. Peripheral vascular disease. Study Population: Patients will be recruited from King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Where it's running
-
King Abdullah International Medical Research Center
Jeddah, Mecca Region, Saudi Arabia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Omar A. Batouk, PHD — King Abdullah International Medical Research Center
- Study coordinator: Majd A. Saemaldahar, Bacheloar
- Email: majdsd515@gmail.com
- Phone: +966532679581
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Medial knee osteoarthritis: inside vs outside corticosteroid injection
This study tests whether injecting a steroid inside the knee joint leads to different pain results than injecting it on the outside of the knee in people with medial knee osteoarthritis.
-
Low Dose Radiotherapy for Osteoarthritis
This study tests whether low-dose radiotherapy can help reduce pain and improve function for adults with osteoarthritis who have not benefited from standard treatments.
-
Advanced imaging and AI for detecting and staging osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
This project will see if an AI system can use routine X‑rays, CT, and MRI to accurately diagnose and stage osteoporosis and osteoarthritis in adults.
-
Catheter embolization of small knee arteries to relieve osteoarthritis pain
This study will try using a catheter procedure to block small arteries around the knee to reduce chronic pain in adults 40–80 with knee osteoarthritis or persistent pain after knee replacement who haven't found enough relief from standard treatments.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.