Selective Arterial Embolization
Abstract
Knee osteoarthritis is the most prevalent degenerative arthropathy and one of the leading causes of chronic pain and disability. Its pathophysiology involves chondral wear, synovial inflammation, pathological angiogenesis, and sensory neoinnervation. Treat- ment options range from conservative measures to arthroplasty; a subset of patients who are not yet surgical candidates would benefit from minimally invasive alternatives. Genicular artery embolization has emerged as a promising option by reducing neovascularization and, consequently, pain. Clinical improvements greater than 70% and a favorable safety profile have been reported. Its indications have also been extended to persistent pain after arthroplasty and to other chronic musculoskeletal entities (e.g., adhesive capsulitis), with encouraging results. Despite this promising early evidence, controlled trials and long-term follow-up are needed to define its role in the management of osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases and, in turn, to support its inclusion in treatment guidelines.Downloads
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