Knee Pain Drops from 7 to 3 on Pain Scale with Novel Treatment Approach

Innovative Knee Pain Treatment Shows Promise

According to НВ — Техно: A team of researchers at Berlin's Charité hospital has tested a new procedure called genicular artery embolization (GAE) to relieve knee pain. The technique involves injecting tiny gel beads that temporarily block abnormal blood vessels surrounding the affected joint. According to the study's findings, patients reported their average pain level fell from 7 to 3 out of 10 over a 12-month period.

During the procedure, doctors use gel beads that gradually dissolve in the bloodstream within a few hours. In the past, antibiotics were used to block these vessels, but this new method could offer an alternative for patients who do not get relief from injections and are not ready for knee replacement surgery. The study included 194 participants, with an average age of 69 years.

Study Results

At the start of the trial, the average pain score among participants was 7 out of 10; one year later, it had dropped to 3. The research was conducted without a control group and at a single medical center.

“The method specifically targets the altered vessels around the joint,” said Florian Nima Fleckenstein, one of the researchers.

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This new genicular artery embolization technique could significantly change how knee pain is treated, especially for older patients or those who cannot use conventional therapies. Despite the positive results, the lack of a control group and the single-center design highlight the need for further studies to confirm the method's effectiveness and safety across a broader patient population.