Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a source of suffering for nearly fourteen million Americans. OA typically results from “Wear-and-tear” on knee joints. Cartilage, the smooth tissue covering that protects the bone, can degrade and tear, eventually leading to OA. The severe breakdown of cartilage produces pain and stiffness.
Common symptoms include:
- Movement causes pain
- Knee aches while sitting still
- Stiff knees in morning/after sitting
- Loss of ability to bend/straighten knee
- Creaking (crackling noises)
- Feeling a grating sensation
- Knee may “give out” or buckle, may lock/stick
- Knees get puffy all around or on one side.
Genicular artery embolization (GAE), or embolization of the knee, is a newer, minimally-invasive procedure to reduce knee pain for patients with osteoarthritis. GAE patients go home the same day and have reduced recovery time. No physical therapy is needed and normal activities may resume the next day.
During the GAE procedure, a small catheter is inserted and used to inject tiny beads (called microspheres) into the arteries, blocking them and reducing blood flow to the are of inflammation. Knee osteoarthritis is relieved by reduced blood flow, which reduces inflammation, pain, and discomfort.
Is GAE procedure safe?
Although a newer treatment, genicular artery embolization is a safe and effective non-surgical option to treat osteoarthritis of the knee.
What is the recovery time?
Someone must drive you home after the GAE procedure, but patients go home the same day. You may resume light activities within the first week, and must avoid high impact activities for at least two weeks.
How long for the pain to disappear?
Pain relief can be felt anywhere from immediately following the procedure to less than one week’s time.
Is there success/long-term relief with GAE?
Yes, 70-80% of patients treated reported significant REDUCTION in pain/discomfort within the first month. IN 70% of patients, relief from the symptoms usually lasted 2-3 years.
Is a GAE covered by insurance?
Yes – most health insurance companies cover GAE.
Who is an ideal candidate for GAE?
- Resistant/failed conservative treatment
- Pain resistant to medicines/physiotherapy/joint injections
- Moderate to severe knee pain
- Knee replacement surgery is not an option
- Pain after knee replacement
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