Knee Pain Relief Without Surgery: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

Long-Term Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Relief

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. It is one of the most common types of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage at the ends of the bones wears down over time. This condition can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee joint, making it difficult for patients to perform everyday activities.

Knee osteoarthritis symptoms can differ between patients, but common signs include the following:

• Pain that worsens with activity or after prolonged sitting
• Stiffness in the knee joint 
• Knee swelling or tenderness
• Grating sensation when bending and straightening the knee
• Decreased range of motion

These symptoms may worsen over time, inhibiting mobility, causing sleep disruptions, and affecting the ability to perform daily tasks and participate in physical activities.

When traditional treatments for knee pain -- over-the-counter medication, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections -- fail to achieve positive results, Texas Knee Institute offers a better solution.

What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

Genicular artery embolization has emerged as a groundbreaking option for knee pain relief. Texas Knee Institute specializes in performing outpatient GAE.

GAE is an outpatient procedure that targets the genicular arteries responsible for supplying blood to the knee joint. By selectively decreasing blood supply to these arteries, GAE can reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve the overall function of the knee.

A vascular and interventional radiologist performs the procedure. It only requires local anesthesia to numb the injection site, and closing sutures are not necessary.

GAE involves using tiny embolic particles to decrease flow to the genicular arteries, thereby limiting blood flow and reducing pain signals.

The treatment begins by making a small incision in the skin near the knee joint. Using advanced X-ray imaging techniques, our specialist guides a catheter toward the genicular arteries. Once the catheter is properly positioned, embolic particles are injected to decrease the blood flow, leading to the desired therapeutic effect.

GAE does not require hospitalization or extended recovery times. Patients can resume their regular routines almost immediately.

Candidates for GAE

The ideal candidate for GAE is someone who has met the following criteria:

• Experiences chronic knee pain that has not responded to conservative treatment options such as physical therapy, medication, or injections.
• Has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis that hasn't advanced to joint space narrowing
• Does not have chronic bleeding disorders
• Does not have kidney disease
• Is not a candidate for knee replacement surgery

Benefits of GAE

Some of the major benefits of GAE include the following:

• Minimally invasive: GAE involves only a small incision and does not require general anesthesia. This approach reduces the risks and complications associated with traditional open surgeries.
• Fast recovery time: Compared to traditional surgeries, GAE has a much faster recovery time. Most patients can resume their normal activities within a few days following the procedure.
• Improved function: By reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals, GAE can improve knee function and reduce the need for long-term pain medications. 
• Reduced risk of complications: GAE is a non-surgical treatment that does not pose the same risk of complications as traditional surgeries. Additionally, the embolic material used for this procedure is highly targeted, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues.
• Cost-effective: GAE is a more cost-effective treatment option than other surgical approaches, such as knee replacement surgery. The procedure is highly efficient; it is performed in an outpatient setting and does not require general anesthesia.

Greater Mobility and Less Pain Without Surgery

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a pioneering treatment for knee osteoarthritis. It offers numerous benefits, including a minimally invasive approach, short recovery time, improved function, and reduced risk of complications.

Contact the helpful team at Texas Knee Institute at 469-341-5997713-575-3686713-575-3686 (Houston) or 469-341-5997 (Dallas) to learn more about our revolutionary approach to knee pain relief today.