An American study conducted by researchers at the Langone Health Center at New York University revealed that a new minimally invasive medical procedure known as “femoral artery catheterization” can relieve chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis without the need for surgery.

This procedure is performed under light anesthesia in less than two hours by an interventional radiologist and aims to relieve pain without resorting to traditional surgery or joint replacement. The treatment mechanism relies on blocking abnormal blood flow caused by inflammation from cartilage erosion, which leads to the growth of small blood vessels that increase pain intensity.

This is done by inserting a catheter through a small incision in the thigh to reach the targeted artery, then injecting biocompatible hydrogel particles to block blood flow in any of the six arteries that feed the synovial membrane of the knee, reducing inflammation and relieving pain.

After the procedure, patients undergo periodic follow-up to assess pain levels, knee stiffness, and mobility. Results showed that more than 60% of 25 patients who underwent the procedure experienced significant symptom improvement after one year. Researchers also recorded a noticeable decrease in levels of two proteins associated with inflammation and structural changes in the knee, which may represent a biological indicator of treatment success.

Researchers explained that this procedure is a safe and effective alternative to traditional surgery for treating joint pain. Chronic pain from knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that occurs when cartilage gradually wears down, causing bone friction and irritation of surrounding tissues. This erosion causes joint inflammation and increased growth of small blood vessels that bring additional immune cells, exacerbating pain, swelling, and limiting normal movement.

The research team added that this procedure is especially suitable for patients who have not yet reached the knee replacement stage or are unable to undergo surgery due to age or risk factors such as obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or smoking. Researchers also plan to continue studying the inflammation relief mechanism, duration of benefits, and identifying the groups that benefit most from this treatment.