Charité researchers develop new non-surgical treatment for knee osteoarthritis

Researchers at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin have developed a minimally invasive treatment for knee osteoarthritis known as genicular artery embolization (GAE). The procedure aims to reduce pain and inflammation by targeting abnormal blood vessels and pain-sensing nerves associated with the condition.

Unlike previous methods that used antibiotics, this new approach utilizes resorbable microscopic gel beads. These beads are injected into the knee to block blood flow to specific hypervascular areas without interfering with general blood flow to the joint. The beads gradually dissolve in the bloodstream, helping to break the cycle of inflammation and potentially slowing the progression of the disease.