Alternative Approaches to Osteoarthritis-Related Knee Pain: Transvenous Arteriovenous Malformation Embolization

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is an inflammatory joint disorder of the cartilage, joint capsule, synovium, and surrounding bone. Intraarticular inflammation induces angiogenesis leading to pain and inflammation. Research suggests a relationship between patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and venous insufficiency or contributing arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Similar to genicular artery embolization (GAE), transvenous or transmalformation cannulation and embolization offers a minimally invasive treatment modality for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Case presentations: Here, we present the successful treatment of OA of the knee using direct puncture transmalformation cannulation and embolization in five patients. Direct puncture, a technique used to embolize peripheral AVMs, is a safe, less invasive method for the treatment of osteoarthritis with associated AVMs. Conclusions: For patients with OA-related knee pain and associated AVMs, the advancement of endovascular techniques offers alternative approaches to the treatment of mild to moderate OA. Direct puncture and transmalformation cannulation and embolization reduce the risk of intra- and post-operative complications, improve recovery time, and minimize operating time and operating costs. In review of the literature, this is one of the first published reports describing the use of direct puncture transvenous or transmalformation cannulation and embolization to treat OA-related pain.