Studying Blood Flow and Joint Embolization Treatment for Chronic Shoulder, Hip, and Knee Pain in Veterans

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the connection between chronic musculoskeletal pain and abnormal blood flow, called neovascularity, around the shoulder, hip, and knee joints in Veterans. This study focuses on individuals with a history of chronic joint pain lasting at least one year and mild to moderate joint degeneration, aiming to better understand how these blood flow changes relate to pain. The research includes both diagnostic evaluation and a pilot treatment study using joint embolization. Participants undergo perfusion magnetic resonance imaging MRI to detect abnormal blood flow around the painful joint. Those without abnormal blood flow remain in the Diagnostic Arm, completing surveys and follow-up MRIs over one year to observe natural changes. Participants with abnormal blood flow may join the Therapeutic Arm, receiving embolization treatment using Embozene microspheres to block abnormal vessels under fluoroscopic guidance. Follow-up visits and MRI scans occur over the following year to track symptoms and imaging outcomes. Throughout the study, participants complete pain surveys WOMAC or WORC and undergo imaging at scheduled intervals. The Therapeutic Arm includes clinical visits at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment, with MRIs at 3 and 12 months. Those in the Diagnostic Arm complete surveys at 6 months and 1 year, plus an MRI at 1 year. Researchers will assess clinical pain scores and imaging markers to evaluate the relationship between joint blood flow and pain, with total study participation lasting approximately 2.5 to 3 years including recruitment and data analysis.

Perfusion MRI-targeted Joint Embolization for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain of the Shoulder, Hip and Knee