Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

Knee arthritis develops gradually, with symptoms that become more noticeable over time. Common signs include:

• Pain that worsens with activity but improves with rest
• Morning stiffness that takes 30 minutes or more to improve
• A grinding or clicking sensation when moving your knee
• Swelling around the joint, especially after activity
• Difficulty with everyday movements like climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
• Knee weakness or instability, particularly on uneven ground
• Pain that tends to be worse in rainy or cold weather

You might notice that your symptoms are mild at first but become more pronounced as the day goes on, especially after you’ve been active. You might also find that your knees feel more stiff and painful after sitting for long periods, such as during a car ride or working at your desk.

Knee OA symptoms can vary from person to person, and you may not experience all of them. If you’re noticing any of these signs, particularly if they’re affecting your daily activities, it’s a good idea to discuss your treatment options with our team.

When knee osteoarthritis first develops, you might manage it successfully with pain medication and physical therapy. Anti-inflammatory steroid injections and/or lubricating hyaluronic acid shots can help as the pain gets worse. But nothing stops the disease from progressing.

If you can’t manage knee pain with these treatments, another option is joint replacement surgery. This involves removing the damaged bones in your knee and replacing them with artificial parts.

However, some people may not be good candidates for knee replacement, and others may be reluctant to consider a major operation involving prolonged pain and healing. Genicular artery embolization is an effective, safe alternative to knee replacement surgery.

Although GAE is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it can provide long-lasting relief. Large studies show that two-thirds of patients have significant improvement in knee pain after GAE, which can last for several years.

Studies have found GAE to be very effective. Patients whose knee pain is more severe may respond better to the procedure. Additionally, studies have found that most patients experience no side effects or only minor side effects from the treatment.

Most health insurance plans cover GAE. We recommend contacting your provider to confirm the extent of your coverage and the anticipated out-of-pocket costs before your procedure. Our staff will work with you to ensure you are able to get the care you need.

GAE is performed by an interventional radiologist, a physician who specializes in using minimally invasive treatments involving image guidance to diagnose and treat diseases.