Pinhole procedure could ease knee arthritis pain without surgery

This study tests whether genicular artery embolization (GAE) can safely reduce knee pain from osteoarthritis. The procedure uses tiny beads injected through a pinhole in the thigh to block abnormal blood flow that fuels inflammation. About 100 adults with moderate-to-severe knee pain who cannot or will not have surgery will be randomly assigned to receive GAE or just observation. Researchers will compare pain and function scores at 6 months to see if GAE offers meaningful relief.