This study is looking at the connection between ongoing (chronic) pain in the shoulder, hip, or knee and unusual blood flow around these joints. If you are a Veteran with chronic pain in one of these joints and mild to moderate joint changes, you might be eligible. Researchers will use a special MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan to check blood flow. If abnormal blood flow is found, you may be offered a procedure called joint embolization using Embozene Microspheres to treat your pain. This involves blocking small blood vessels in the joint. If you choose not to have the treatment, you will have another MRI after one year to see how the blood flow changes naturally. The study aims to see how well this treatment works and how blood flow relates to pain over time. Success will be measured by pain scores and MRI results after 3 to 6 months.

Study design

This is an observational study planning to enroll 120 participants. It is not specified if participants are randomized or blinded.

What's involved

You would undergo a perfusion MRI scan and complete surveys about your pain. If you have abnormal blood flow, you might receive a joint embolization procedure. You would have follow-up visits with pain surveys and potentially another MRI at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.

Compensation

Not stated in the trial record.

Follow-up

Participants will be followed for up to 1 year after the initial assessment or intervention, with primary outcomes measured at 3 or 6 months.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.