Two-year outcomes comparing Embosphere® microspheres versus Imipenem Cilastatin for genicular artery embolization in patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a novel technique and has the potential to provide midterm relief of pain for patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis resistant to conservative management. This study compares the efficacy and safety of trisacryl gelatin microspheres to Imipenem/Cilastatin particles for GAE with 2 years of clinical follow-up.In this retrospective study, eight patients with knee osteoarthritis (11 knees) who underwent GAE with 100-300 μm trisacryl gelatin microspheres particles were compared with six patients (nine knees) who underwent GAE with Imipenem/Cilastatin particles. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at 3-month and 24-month follow-ups and compared to baseline using the WOMAC questionnaire.The median follow-up was 796 days (range: 736-808). There were no significant differences in clinical outcome measures at the 3-month or 24-month follow-up. Both embolic materials resulted in a decrease in Pain WOMAC and Total WOMAC scores at 3 months (p < 0.05), and the effect of treatment on Pain WOMAC and Total WOMAC score reduction was sustained until the 24-month follow-up (p < 0.05). Minor events (Clavien-Dindo classification grade I) included transient cutaneous color change (n = 3) and transient leg numbness (n = 1) after embolization with trisacryl gelatin microspheres particles (p = 0.08). All minor adverse events resolved spontaneously. There were no major adverse events.One hundred to three hundred μm trisacryl gelatin microspheres particles can be considered for genicular artery embolization and is comparable to Imipenem/Cilastatin particles in pain reduction of moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. A sustained effect is observed for up to 2 years of follow-up.