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Purpose Planned interim analysis of GENESIS; a prospective pilot study investigating the role of genicular artery embolization (GAE) in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee using permanent microspheres. Methods Thirty-eight patients, median age = 60 (45–83), attended for GAE using 100–300 μm permanent microspheres. All patients had mild to moderate knee OA, resistant to conservative treatments over 6 months. Knee MRI was performed at baseline, and 12 months, enabling semi-quantitative analysis using Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS). Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) (0–100 mm) were completed at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months (n = 32), and 1-year (n = 16). Adverse events were recorded prospectively. Results Technical success of accessing and embolizing the target genicular arteries was 84%. Six patients were not embolized: four due to a presumed risk of non-target embolization, and two due to a lack of hyperaemic target. Mean VAS improved from 60 (SD = 20, 95% CI 53–66) at baseline to 36 (SD = 24, 95% CI 28–44) at 3 months (p p p = 0.06) at 1-year. Four patients experienced mild self-limiting skin discoloration over the embolized territory. One patient experienced a small self-limiting groin haematoma. WORMS scores at 1-year follow-up showed significant improvement in synovitis (p Conclusion GAE using permanent microspheres in patients with mild to moderate knee OA is safe, with potential efficacy at early follow-up.

Objective To find a method of safely inserting a suprapubic catheter (SPC) under local anesthetic and under ultrasound guidance in patients who may not be fit for a general anesthetic but also are seen to have bowel overlying the anterior bladder wall which obscures a safe route to the bladder. Materials and Methods We used ultrasonography to visualize the bladder which was initially filled via the indwelling urethral catheter. A 22-gauge needle attached to a syringe filled with 30 mL of fluid (made up of 10 mL of 1% lidocaine plus 20 mL sterile water) was inserted transabdominally under ultrasound guidance into a space between the pubic symphysis and bowel. The fluid was then injected into the space to hydrodissect the bowel away from the bladder. Once the space had been created, an 18-guage needle was passed into the bladder and a SPC was inserted via the Seldinger technique. Results Successful SPC insertion was confirmed on ultrasound guidance with no associated bowel or other injury. Telephone follow-up with the patient 6 months later revealed that the patient had no complications and no infections. Conclusion Hydrodissection can be considered when inserting SPC under local anesthetic under ultrasound guidance when there is bowel obscuring any safe route to the bladder. This may be particularly useful in patients who may not be fit for a general an aesthetic.

Vertebral compression fractures are a common clinical problem and the incidence of them will increase with the ageing population. Traditionally management has been conservative; however, there has been a growing trend towards vertebroplasty as an alternative therapy in patients with persisting severe pain. NICE produced guidance in 2003 recommending the procedure after 4 weeks of conservative management. Recent high-quality studies have been contradictory and there is currently a debate surrounding the role of the procedure with no agreement in the literature. We examine the evidence in both osteoporotic and malignant vertebral compression fractures; we also describe the benefits and side effects, alternative treatment options and the cost of the procedure. Finally, we recommend when vertebroplasty is most appropriately used based on the best available evidence.