GAE for Knee Pain: Is This Nonsurgical Treatment Right for You?

Knee pain can range from a mild annoyance to excruciating aches that impact your moods, sleep, and daily life. Over time and without treatment, chronic knee pain can lead to poor heart health and permanent disability.

If you’re among the estimated 25% of Americans who deal with lasting, recurrent, or severe knee pain, appropriate treatment is important. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) can provide an effective solution when more conservative care doesn’t suffice.

With his expert team at our Midtown Manhattan, New York, practice, double board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist Dr. Yosef Golowa offers this nonsurgical knee pain treatment for good candidates.

How GAE helps knee pain

During the GAE procedure, Dr. Golowa inserts a catheter into an artery in your upper leg. Guided by X-ray imaging, he moves the tube along the artery that carries blood to the lining of your knee. He then injects gel particles to restrict blood flow. This typically leads to less pain within about two weeks.

Performed on an outpatient basis in our office, GAE takes about one hour to complete. You won’t have to worry about discomfort or pain during the procedure thanks to twilight sedation.

Clinical evidence suggests that genicular artery embolization (GAE) can provide meaningful pain relief for many people with osteoarthritis, with as many as 85% experiencing noticeable improvement.  

Success is typically defined as a pain reduction of at least 50%. In one study, just 5% of patients went on to require knee replacement surgery within two years following GAE, while approximately 8% needed a repeat procedure to maintain symptom relief.

Good candidates for GAE

GAE primarily treats chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis (OA), the common arthritis form that usually results from wear-and-tear or overuse. 

You may be a strong candidate if you:

• Are 40-80 years old
• Have moderate to severe knee OA
• Haven’t experienced relief from medication, injections, or physical therapy
• Have knee inflammation but not severe deformity
• Are in good overall health

GAE can also provide a good alternative to a knee replacement if you’re not eligible for or wish to avoid surgery.

Making the most of GAE 

After your procedure, Dr. Golowa provides instructions to help you recover with ease. Because GAE is minimally invasive, you only need to take it easy for a couple of days. Any mild soreness in your groin can typically be managed with an anti-inflammatory medication.

Gentle stretching and short walks can enhance your recovery. You should also stay well hydrated and avoid standing for lengthy periods for a while. Our team guides and supports your healing process along the way.

To learn more about GAE for knee pain or find out if you’re a good candidate, call our office today at 212-991-9991. You can also book an appointment with Dr. Golowa through our website.