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Osteoarthritis of the knee

As we age, the healthy, protective cartilage within the knee joint begins to erode. Over time, the loss of cartilage causes the bones within the knee to rub together, which can result in significant pain and even a loss of mobility. Almost half of older Americans will experience this condition, known as osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, and even though you may be experiencing pain, you may not yet be a candidate for knee replacement surgery, also known as total knee arthroplasty, As a result, you may be required to take pain medication or receive pain injections for many years.

Within the last decade, it was discovered that the inflammation within the knee caused by osteoarthritis accelerates cartilage degeneration. Therefore it is important to treat the inflammation to slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

genicular artery embolization for knee pain treatment
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A new treatment option in Memphis – Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

While total knee replacement is one of the most common and proven surgeries for knee osteoarthritis, a new and less invasive treatment option is available to those who may not yet be candidates for this surgery, or who do not wish to have it. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a highly effective way to reduce inflammation within the knee joint and slow or halt the progression of osteoarthritis.

During the GAE procedure, an interventional radiologist uses imaging to guide a catheter into one or more of the genicular arteries that feed the synovium–the lining of the knee where the inflammation occurs. The artery is then embolized or “blocked,” which reduces inflammation and its associated pain. GAE spares the patient the risks of a long-term medication regimen, or the need to receive pain injections every few months.

According to a clinical study, average pain scores decreased from 8 out of 10 to 3 out of 10 within the first week of the procedure.1

See if you’re a candidate for genicular artery embolization with our short questionnaire »

  1. https://www.sirweb.org/media-and-pubs/media/news-release-archive/sir-2021-knee-pain-031621

Genicular Artery Embolization Frequently Asked Questions

Many people experience knee pain as they age. This is usually caused by a condition called osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that occurs when cartilage within the knee joint wears down. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling, and it may lead to decreased mobility.

It is now known that osteoarthritis is either caused or accelerated by new, poorly formed blood vessels within the knee joint (angiogenesis). These blood vessels contribute to pain and inflammation because they bring inflammatory cells to the knee.

Doctors now know that pain and inflammation can be reduced, and the erosion of knee cartilage can be slowed, by restoring normal blood flow to the knee. A minimally invasive procedure called genicular artery embolization (GAE) embolizes or partially blocks the flow of blood through the abnormal blood vessels that have formed in the knee from osteoarthritis. This has been clinically proven to reduce pain and inflammation and can even help you avoid knee replacement surgery in the future.

A specially trained doctor—known as an interventional radiologist—uses imaging to guide the placement of a catheter through the skin and into the genicular artery that supplies blood to the knee joint. Once there, the doctor locates the abnormal arteries and injects microparticles into them to block the excessive amount of blood flow. Normal blood flow is restored to the joint, and the symptoms of osteoarthritis are significantly reduced.

Most patients will experience pain relief shortly after the procedure, and pain will continue to reduce over the next two weeks. Many patients also find that they can reduce or eliminate their intake of pain medication.

GAE has been clinically shown to reduce pain and inflammation for two years or longer. The procedure may be repeated in the future if symptoms return.

In most cases, the procedure is covered by private insurance and Medicare. We are happy to assist you if you have insurance questions or would like to know if your specific insurance covers the procedure.

GAE is a very safe procedure, and complications are rare. You may experience a temporary discoloration of the skin or bleeding in the area where the catheter is placed within the body. Other side effects are extremely rare and can be treated if they occur.

If you are between 40 and 80 years of age, have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, and conservative treatment (such as medication or physical therapy) hasn’t worked for you, you may be a candidate for GAE.

If you have advanced arthritis, infection, cancer, or have smoked, you may not be able to have a GAE procedure.

Fill out the following questionnaire to see if you qualify for Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).

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