Shoulder
Arterial embolization (genicular/shoulder)
The microvessels feeding chronic inflammation are closed with microparticles, reducing pain when medications are not enough.
How it is performed
In chronic musculoskeletal pain, small abnormal vessels develop alongside inflammation and the nerve endings responsible for pain. Through a percutaneous access of a few millimetres at the wrist or groin, a microcatheter is guided with angiography to these vessels, which are closed with microparticles or a temporary agent. The reduction of inflammatory vascularisation translates into a progressive reduction of pain.
Who it is for
- Chronic shoulder or knee pain resistant to conservative treatment
- Tendinopathies and osteoarthritis with marked hypervascularity on colour Doppler ultrasound
- Patients not (yet) candidates for surgery
Recovery
Same-day discharge after a few hours of observation. Light activity for 2-3 days; maximum benefit develops over 1-3 months.
Conditions treated in this area: calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), subacromial bursitis.
Scientific evidence
Genicular artery embolization is the most extensively studied variant of this technique: sham-controlled randomised trials and dedicated systematic reviews document a significant reduction in pain in knee osteoarthritis, sustained over time, with mostly minor and transient complications. Its application to the shoulder is more recent and under study.
References on PubMed
- Multicenter Randomized Sham Controlled Study of Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Pain Secondary to Osteoarthritis
Bagla S, Piechowiak R, et al. — J Vasc Interv Radiol, 2022 · PMID 34610422
- Genicular artery embolization for knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review of sham-controlled randomized trials
Milhem F, Takhman M, et al. — J Orthop, 2025 · PMID 40766107
Published data describe average results in groups of patients and are not a prediction of an individual outcome. The indication for treatment must always be assessed during a consultation.
Want to know if it is right for you?
At the first consultation we review your clinical history and previous imaging together.