New hope for knee arthritis: tiny beads could block pain without surgery

This pilot study tests whether blocking certain blood vessels around the knee (geniculate artery embolization) can safely reduce pain and improve function in people with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis. Twenty participants will be randomly assigned to receive the procedure plus standard care (physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, and up to one joint injection) or standard care alone. The goal is to see if this minimally invasive approach provides lasting symptom relief and slows disease progression.