You may notice it after a long day of walking. Others may be aware of it as they walk up and down stairs. It may especially become noticeable the older you get.
And after a while, knee pain can take quite a toll on you!
But you are not alone. Most patients living with this pain are living with osteoarthritis: a condition affecting millions of people. An estimated 1 in 4 people suffer from knee pain[1].
Like many of those suffering from this pain, you may think surgery or steroids are the only sources of relief. You may prefer alternative solutions – options that won’t require a hospital stay or greatly disrupt your life.
Fortunately, this choice exists! And you’ve come to the right place to learn more.
In this post, we’ll share all you need to know about Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE): a new, minimally invasive procedure changing the game for knee pain relief.
Understanding GAE
So, what is genicular artery embolization? In simple terms, GAE is a non-surgical procedure focusing on the root cause of knee pain.
This procedure focuses on the enlarged arteries in the knee joint. By blocking these arteries, GAE reduces the pain signals sent to the brain, providing long-lasting relief.[2]
During the GAE procedure, a medical professional injects a small amount of material into the affected arteries. This material blocks blood flow and reduces inflammation.
Watch the video above to see a demonstration of this procedure.
What Are the Benefits of GAE?
GAE stands out among other knee pain treatments. This procedure offers many benefits that make it an appealing option for those seeking osteoarthritis relief:
Non-surgical
Unlike traditional surgical procedures, GAE is a minimally invasive treatment that doesn’t require incisions or general anesthesia.
Quick Recovery Time
One of the most appealing parts of this procedure is the fast recovery time compared to surgery. Most patients can resume their daily activities within a few days of the procedure, with minimal downtime – no hospital stay required.
Long-Lasting Relief
Injections like PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or steroids provide short-term relief, so multiple treatments are needed for consistent pain relief. GAE, on the other hand, can last years.
Improved Quality of Life
A quick recovery means an improved quality of life very soon after GAE. Once patients experience a pain-free life post-procedure, many wonder why they didn’t try this sooner!
How Do I Know if GAE is right for me?
To determine if GAE is right for you, a medical professional will assess your eligibility for the procedure. They will perform a series of evaluations, including x-ray services. You’ll also want to share your medical history with the doctor.
Generally, the ideal candidate for GAE is experiencing the following symptoms[2]:
- Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
- Chronic knee pain that has not responded to other treatments
- Limited mobility or stiffness in the knee joint
If you experience any of the above, it’s time to meet with a medical professional.
Learn more about eligibility and screening.
Will my insurance cover GAE?
Most major insurance providers will cover GAE for eligible patients. Still, it’s important to contact your provider to confirm coverage.
How Safe and Effective is GAE?
While genicular artery embolization is a relatively new procedure, research has consistently shown it is a safe and effective option for reducing knee pain
Multiple studies have demonstrated significant improvements in pain levels, functional ability, and quality of life for patients undergoing GAE [3].
Potential Risks and Side Effects
As with any medical procedure, GAE carries some risks and side effects. These may include:
- Transient skin discoloration[3]
- Increased risk of bleeding or bruising
- Allergic reactions to the embolization material
- Infection or abscess formation
However, these risks are generally minor and temporary, and the benefits of GAE far outweigh the potential drawbacks.
Conclusion
Genicular artery embolization is a newer procedure, but it has quickly become a recommended procedure for those suffering from debilitating knee pain.
It is a great option for those who no longer want to live with knee pain, but are interested a one-time, fast-acting solution with minimal downtime.
Meet the Centers for Knee Pain team
At Centers for Knee Pain, we pride ourselves on providing personalized care to each of our patients, taking the time to understand their unique needs and concerns. Our state-of-the-art facilities ensure a comfortable and safe environment for your treatment.
Say goodbye to knee pain and hello to a more active life. Explore the possibilities of GAE today and discover a life free from chronic pain.
Book your consultation with Centers for Knee Pain today!
Unsure if GAE is the right solution for you? Take our FREE knee quiz!
Citations
- Nguyen, U. S., Zhang, Y., Zhu, Y., Niu, J., Zhang, B., & Felson, D. T. (2011). Increasing prevalence of knee pain and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: Survey and cohort data. Annals of Internal Medicine, 155(11), 725-732. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-155-11-201112060-00004
- 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. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13113256
- Taslakian, B., Al-Kutoubi, A., & Kaufman, J. A. (2018). Genicular artery embolization for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 29(10), 1345-1353.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2018.06.015
