SIR Position Statement Supports Genicular Artery Embolization to Treat Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis

May 13, 2026—The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) announced the publication of a position statement that provides evidence-based support for the use of genicular artery embolization (GAE) as a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) who have failed conservative therapy and are not candidates for, or wish to delay, total knee arthroplasty.

The statement was published by Osman Ahmed, MD, et al in Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (JVIR).

According to SIR, the manuscript cites clinical data supporting GAE as a safe, durable, joint-preserving intervention that targets the inflammatory and neurovascular drivers of osteoarthritis-related pain.

The statement also calls for larger, randomized controlled trials to confirm early clinical data and to inform patient care guidelines for KOA.

Additionally, SIR noted that the position statement highlights mounting evidence that that KOA is more than a wear-and-tear” disease, but results from enzymes released as the cartilage breaks down, which causes inflammation and pain. By reducing the abnormal blood flow in the affected knee, GAE effectively reduces painful inflammation.

Saher S. Sabri, MD, who is President of the SIR, commented on the statement in the society’s press release.

“KOA affects millions of patients worldwide, yet many remain stuck between conservative therapies that may not provide adequate relief and surgery they are not ready for or cannot undergo,” stated Dr. Sabri. “This position statement reflects the maturation of the evidence for GAE and underscores SIR’s view that GAE represents a viable, minimally invasive option for appropriately selected patients when performed by trained interventional radiologists within a multidisciplinary care model.”

Dr. Sabri continued, “Patients with KOA would benefit from individualized treatment approach to managing their pain and GAE provides that targeted option for patients whose symptoms are driven by inflammation in addition to degeneration. While more studies need to be done, the current evidence strongly supports GAE as another tool to fight KOA pain.”