RecruitingInterventional

Genicular embolisation for knee osteoarthritis

This research is testing a new procedure called genicular artery embolisation (GAE) for people with persistent knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Many people with knee osteoarthritis find themselves in a 'treatment gap' – their pain is too severe for simple treatments, but they're not yet at the stage where they need full knee replacement surgery. GAE works by blocking tiny extra blood vessels that form around the knee, which are thought to contribute to pain. Early results suggest it might help, and this larger study will compare GAE to a dummy treatment to see if it truly reduces pain effectively. If successful, it could offer a valuable new option for many.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

216

Start

31 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Knee osteoarthritis

What is this study about?

Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that can cause a lot of pain and make everyday activities difficult. When the pain is mild, simple things like exercise and lifestyle changes can often help. For very severe cases, a knee replacement operation might be the best solution. However, many people find themselves in a difficult middle ground – their pain is significant, but they're not yet ready for major surgery, or other less invasive treatments haven't worked well enough.

This study, called GEKO, is looking into a new treatment called genicular artery embolisation (GAE). The idea behind GAE is to block off some of the tiny extra blood vessels that develop around a knee affected by osteoarthritis. These extra vessels are thought to play a part in causing pain. The procedure involves injecting tiny beads into these blood vessels to stop the extra blood flow.

Early studies have shown some promising results, suggesting that GAE could help reduce pain. This larger study is important because it will compare GAE with a 'dummy' treatment (a placebo) to see if it's truly effective and safe for people with ongoing knee osteoarthritis pain. If it proves to work well, it could provide a much-needed treatment option for many people who are currently struggling with pain.

Key takeaways

Tests a new treatment (GAE) for knee osteoarthritis pain.
Aims to relieve pain by blocking tiny blood vessels in the knee.
Compares GAE to a dummy treatment over 12 months.
For adults with persistent knee pain not ready for surgery.
Funded by a major UK health research body.
If successful, could offer a new option for many.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 or older) with a diagnosis of painful knee osteoarthritis. This means your doctor has confirmed you have knee osteoarthritis, and you've already tried some standard treatments without enough improvement.

It's important that your pain is moderate to severe, and you're not currently planned or considered for knee replacement surgery. The doctors will also check if the specific blood vessels in your knee are suitable for this embolisation procedure.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join, such as if you've had a steroid injection in that knee recently, have an infection or cancer around the knee, or have certain other medical conditions like severe kidney problems or a history of allergic reactions to dyes used in scans. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have certain blood clotting issues, you also wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult (18 years or older)?
Do you have a confirmed diagnosis of painful knee osteoarthritis?
Have you tried other treatments for your knee pain without enough success?
Is your knee pain moderate to severe?
Are you NOT currently scheduled or being considered for knee replacement surgery?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be randomly assigned to receive either the active treatment (GAE) or a dummy treatment (a saltwater injection). Neither you nor your study doctor will know which treatment you receive. The GAE procedure involves injecting tiny microbeads to block small blood vessels in your knee.

Taking part will involve having medical appointments and potentially one or two MRI scans of your knee. You'll also be asked to fill out questionnaires about your pain and how well your knee is working. These assessments will happen over a period of up to 12 months after your treatment to track your progress and see if the treatment has made a difference.

Potential risks and benefits

There's a chance your knee pain might improve after the procedure, but there's no guarantee the treatment will work for you. As with any medical procedure, there's always a small risk of side effects or problems, and the medical team will discuss these with you in detail. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (13)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Oxford, United Kingdom
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
Truro, United Kingdom
Aneurin Bevan University Lhb
City only
Newport, United Kingdom
North Bristol NHS Trust
City only
Bristol, United Kingdom
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
City only
London, United Kingdom
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
City only
Plymouth, United Kingdom
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
Hull, United Kingdom
Guy's & St Thomas Hospital
City only
London, United Kingdom
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
City only
Coventry, United Kingdom
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Barts Health NHS Trust
Unverified
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is genicular artery embolisation (GAE)?

GAE is a new procedure that involves blocking tiny extra blood vessels around your knee with small beads to help reduce pain from osteoarthritis.

Will I know if I'm getting the real treatment or the dummy treatment?

No, you won't know if you're receiving the active GAE treatment or a dummy (placebo) injection. This helps researchers fairly assess the treatment's effects.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be followed up for up to 12 months after your treatment, with various check-ups and questionnaires.

What if I experience side effects?

Your medical team will closely monitor you for any side effects and discuss any potential risks before you decide to take part.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) in the UK.

How to find out more

Anjali Shah

anjali.shah@ndorms.ox.ac.uk +44 (0)1865 613460 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.