Ultrasound-guided Musculoskeletal Embolotherapies using the “Dochu” Technique

Alexander Loizides is an associate professor of Radiology, Deputy Head of the Department of Endovascular and Interventional Radiology, at the Medical University of Innsbruck’s Department of Radiology, where he completed his specialization with focus on musculoskeletal and interventional sonography (Habilitation thesis on peripheral nerve sonography). Prof. Loizides is author and co-author of numerous articles published in international journals as well as a number of books and is editor of the books “Nerve Sonography” published in 2018 and “Sonographic Peripheral Nerve Topography” published in 2019. He acts as a reviewer for several scientific journals, is member of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), the Österreichische Röntgengesellschaft (ÖRG) and Head of the musculoskeletal and interventional working committee of the Austrian Society of Ultrasound in Medicine (ÖGUM). His passion for ultrasound and interventional radiology and his focus on musculoskeletal-, nerve sonography and ultrasound guided interventions made him a founding member of the "DISI - Verein zur Förderung sonographischer Wissensgewinnung".Together with his colleagues, Prof. Loizides is organizing workshops and giving lectures on international congresses (ECR, RSNA, ESSR, etc.) to improve the quality of ultrasound-guided treatments and move the boundaries to new diagnostic fields. Dr Yuji Okuno is an interventional radiologist and the pioneer of an innovative treatment that targets chronic low-grade inflammatory diseases—including tendinitis, knee osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, chronic low back pain, and chronic prostatitis—by embolizing inflammatory vessels through intra-arterial intervention.Since first reporting this groundbreaking technique in 2013, he has contributed to its global adoption, with interventional radiologists across multiple countries now performing this procedure. His research has been at the forefront of this field, with 20 peer-reviewed publications focusing on embolization for musculoskeletal disorders, particularly superselective genicular artery embolization (GAE) for knee osteoarthritis. Through rigorous clinical studies, he has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this technique in delivering significant and lasting pain relief—findings that have since been corroborated by other researchers.Most recently, he has developed the “Dochu” procedure, a next-generation non-catheter-based treatment that can be performed untrasound-guided in a simple examination room without the need for angiography equipment.Dr. Ralph Rogers stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of Regenerative Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Formerly based on Harley Street in London—where his clinics served both high-performing athletes and the wider public—he is now based at Midtown Clinic in Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory). Renowned for pioneering cutting-edge musculoskeletal therapies, including groundbreaking MSK embolization trials, Dr. Rogers has earned the trust of world-class organizations such as the NBA and Chelsea Football Club. A global authority in advanced regenerative medicine, Dr. Rogers is celebrated for his leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to optimizing human performance. His contributions to international medical practice are substantial. He is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine in the UK and Ireland, where he has also served as an examiner. Dr. Rogers’ influence extends deeply into research and industry leadership. He serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the International Regenerative Medicine Expert Society and Chairs the Medical Advisory Committee of Clear Dynamics, a pioneering company advancing MSK embolization technology. Through his clinical expertise, academic contributions, and strategic leadership, Dr. Ralph Rogers continues to shape the future of Regenerative Orthopedics and Sports Medicine worldwide.

• Preface.-  Introduction.- Neck and Upper Extremity.- Lower extremity.