Is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) Effective in Treating Knee Pain?

Knee arthritis is a condition affecting millions of people who seek help for the associated pain. Patients are oftan told that medication, surgery, and injections are the only options for treatment. One promising non-surgical treatment has seen success for knee pain, is genicular artery embolization. This procedure has provided patients with relief without costly, painful surgery.

What is Genicular Artery Embolization?

Genicular artery embolization, or GAE, is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a needle puncture is used to provide immediate, long-term pain relief for patients. The procedure works by targeting inflamed arteries and blocking and reducing blood flow to these areas. This procedure works very well with knee pain.

Results of Genicular Artery Embolization studies.

In a study done by Okuno Clinic, doctors assessed 72 patients who suffered from osteoarthritis and proceed with GAE. Following treatment, patients were observed over the course of 1, 3, and 6 months to view short-term results. Patients were then invited back after 2,3, and 4 years to examine the long-term effects of the procedure. Following the completion of the Okuno Clinic study, 79.8% of the patients reported decrease in pain.

Benefits

• Long-lasting Results
• GAE has a 78% success rate in relieving knee pain for 2 to 3 years or longer.
• Non-surgical
• This non-surgical option provides long-lasting results. The recovery period following the procedure is relatively quick since there are incisions or stitches that will need to heal.
• Highly effective in reducing pain
• In the Okuno study mentioned before, 86% of the patients in the study reported that their pain was reduced by more than 50% within 6 months of having the procedure. These patients were able to reduce or stop their pain medication use at the 6-month mark as well due to the success of the procedure.

Genicular Artery Embolization is a new technique that is providing longer-lasting results for patients suffering from knee pain and osteoarthritis. If you’re currently experiencing pain and would like to learn more about other treatment options, contact our office today.