Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42043522›Full record

ReviewRadiologie (Heidelberg, Germany)2026

[Transarterial periarticular embolization as a treatment option for chronic joint pain].

Elif Can, Martin Jonczyk, Katharina Vogt, Wibke Uller

Abstract readEnglish AbstractReview
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Review in Radiologie (Heidelberg, Germany), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Elif CanSektion Interventionelle Radiologie, Klinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland. elif.can@uniklinik-freiburg.de.
Martin JonczykKlinik für Radiologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland.
Katharina VogtSektion Interventionelle Radiologie, Klinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland.
Wibke UllerSektion Interventionelle Radiologie, Klinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

clinical issueOsteoarthritis-related chronic joint pain substantially impairs function and quality of life. A clinically relevant subgroup of patients remains insufficiently controlled by conservative care and is not yet eligible for, or declines, arthroplasty ("treatment gap"). STANDARD TREATMENT: First-line management includes weight reduction and physiotherapy, analgesics/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), intra-articular injections, and-when indicated-surgical options up to joint replacement. TREATMENT INNOVATIONS: Transarterial periarticular embolization (TAPE) targets abnormal periarticular neovascularity/hypervascularity via superselective, blush-guided devascularization using temporary crystalline agents or resorbable/permanent microspheres. DIAGNOSTIC WORK-UP: Accurate pain localization to the target joint and radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) grading are mandatory. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/ultrasound may support selection by demonstrating inflammatory activity (synovitis/hypervascularity). Angiography identifies the pathological blush as the procedural endpoint. EVIDENCE: Across studies, technical success is near 100% with clinically meaningful improvements (typically ~30-40 point pain reduction on a 0-100 visual analog scale) and gains in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)/Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS); however, sham-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show mixed results. Adverse events are uncommon and mainly mild/self-limited; major complications are rare.

conclusionTAPE is a promising minimally invasive option, but its incremental benefit over placebo and optimal selection criteria require confirmation. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Consider TAPE in specialized centers for refractory mild-to-moderate OA (strongest evidence for the knee; emerging data for hip/hand), using standardized protocols, particle sizes ≥ 100 µm when applicable, and strict nontarget prevention (e.g., skin cooling).

Indexed as

ArthralgiaChronic PainEmbolization, TherapeuticHumansChronic painGenicular artery embolization (GAE)Minimally invasive procedureOsteoarthritisTransarterial periarticular embolization

Identifiers

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.