Are you tired of living with chronic knee pain? It may feel like you’ve tried every treatment option under the sun but have only experienced temporary relief – or perhaps no relief at all.
You’re not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from knee osteoarthritis: a degenerative condition that can significantly impact daily life.
But what if we told you there was a new hope for lasting relief?
In this article, we’ll introduce you to Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure helping several patients manage their knee pain, and its many benefits.
What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis, or OA, is a common condition characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint.
As the cartilage in this joint wears away, your bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), OA affects over 32 million adults in the United States, with the knee being one of the most commonly affected joints[1].
Traditional Knee Pain Treatments and Their Limitations
While various treatments are available for knee OA, many offer only temporary relief or come with significant drawbacks.
Common options include:
- Pain medications: These may provide short-term relief, but can lead to dependence, stomach problems, and other side effects[2].
- Injections (steroids or PRP): While injections can offer temporary relief, they often require repeated treatments. They also may not address the underlying cause of pain[3].
- Physical therapy: While beneficial for strengthening surrounding muscles, physical therapy might not address the root cause of pain. Physical therapy can also be time-consuming [4].
The Need For a New Solution
It’s clear that these traditional treatments often fall short when it comes to providing lasting relief for knee OA sufferers.
That’s where Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) comes in – a revolutionary, non-surgical procedure gaining attention for its ability to provide significant, long-lasting pain relief.
Read on to learn more about this new procedure.
Introducing Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
So: what is genicular artery embolization?
In basic terms, GAE is a minimally invasive procedure where specific arteries in the knee are blocked to reduce pain signals.
During this procedure, a catheter is inserted through the femoral artery. Then, a specialized material blocks the genicular arteries, which normally supply blood to the knee joint.
This reduces inflammation and pain in the affected area[5].
How Does GAE Work?
The GAE procedure typically takes around 30-60 minutes to complete and is performed on an outpatient basis.
Here’s a step-by-step overview:
- A small incision is made in the groin area, and a catheter is inserted into the femoral artery.
- The doctor guides the catheter to the genicular arteries in the knee using X-ray imaging.
- A specialized material is injected through the catheter to block the genicular arteries.
- The catheter is removed, and the incision is closed.
Benefits of GAE
Image of someone happily doing every day errands
Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of GAE in providing significant pain relief for knee OA sufferers.
Significant Pain Relief
Studies have shown that GAE can reduce pain scores by up to 50% or more, as measured by standardized pain assessment tools[6].
Improved Function
By reducing pain and inflammation, GAE can help restore mobility and enable individuals to perform daily activities more easily[7].
Minimally Invasive
Unlike traditional surgical options, GAE is a minimally invasive procedure that requires only a small incision and can be completed on an outpatient basis[8].
Potential to Delay or Avoid Surgery
In some cases, GAE may delay or eliminate the need for knee replacement surgery[9].
Long-lasting Relief
Relief from GAE can last for years, reducing the need for frequent injections or other treatments[10].
Who Is a Good Candidate for GAE?
While GAE is a promising treatment option, it’s important to determine if you’re a good candidate first.
Typically, individuals with mild to moderate knee OA who have not responded well to other treatments may be suitable for GAE.
Our team of board-certified vascular surgeons will work with you to determine if GAE is right for you.
GAE at Centers for Knee Pain
At Centers for Knee Pain, we’re proud to offer genicular artery embolization as part of our comprehensive knee pain management program.
Our knee pain experts have extensive experience performing GAE procedures, and we’re committed to providing personalized care and exceptional results.
We’re also participating in an IRB-approved trial at Orthovisc Specialist Centers in New Jersey, ensuring that our patients receive the latest advancements in GAE technology.
Conclusion
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a game-changing treatment option for knee OA sufferers. With its minimally invasive approach, significant pain relief, and potential to delay or avoid surgery, GAE is an appealing alternative to typical treatments.
If you’re tired of living with chronic knee pain, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team to discuss GAE and determine if it’s right for you.
Don’t let knee pain hold you back any longer. Discover the benefits of GAE and start your journey towards a pain-free life today!
Still wondering if GAE is the right procedure for you? Take our FREE knee quiz to see if you’re a good fit!
Citations
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm
[2] Zhang, W., Moskowitz, R. W., Nuki, G., Abramson, S., Altman, R. D., Arden, N.,… & Hochberg, M. C. (2008). OARSI recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis, Part II: OARSI evidence-based, expert consensus guidelines. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 16(2), 137-162.
[3] Patel, S., Dhillon, M. S., & Aggarwal, S. (2017). Treatment of osteoarthritis using platelet-rich plasma. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma, 8(2), 147-153.
[4] Fransen, M., McConnell, S., Harmer, A. R., Van der Esch, M., Simic, M., & Bennell, K. L. (2015). Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(1), CD004376.
[5] O’Brien, S., Blakeney, W., & Soares, J. (2024). Selective Genicular Artery Embolization in the Management of Osteoarthritic Knee Pain—A Narrative Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13, 3256.
[6] Landers, S., Hely, A., Harrison, B., Maister, N., Hely, R., Lane, S.,… & Page, R. (2017). Protocol for a single-centre, parallel-arm, randomised controlled superiority trial evaluating the effects of transcatheter arterial embolisation of abnormal knee neovasculature on pain, function and quality of life in people with knee osteoarthritis. BMJ Open, 7(12), e014266.
[7] Russu, O., Bloj, F., Feier, A., Vunvulea, V., Mogoş, Ş., Predescu, V.,… & Pop, T. (2022). At the Edge of Orthopaedics: Initial Experience with Transarterial Periarticular Embolization for Knee Osteoarthritis in a Romanian Population. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(16), 573.
[8] Femia, M., Pittino, C., Fumarola, E., Tramarin, M., Papa, M., Giurazza, F.,… & Cariati, M. (2024). Genicular Artery Embolization: A New Tool for the Management of Refractory Osteoarthritis-Related Knee Pain. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 14(7), 686.
[9] Harrison, R., Salomons, T., MacGill, S., & Little, M. (2023). The predictive role of pain catastrophising following genicular arterial embolisation for the treatment of mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis. medRxiv, 2023.07.31.23290995.
[10] Badii, M., Parhar, D., Badii, S., & Liu, D. (2023). AB0503 GENICULAR ARTERY EMBOLIZATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PERSISTENT JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE: A CASE REPORT. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 82(Suppl 1), 843.
