Embolisation for Knee Pain: Understanding the Process and Benefits

Genicular artery embolisation (GAE) has been making waves in the treatment of knee pain and mobility from osteoarthritis. In some cases, it can be an alternative to surgery and pain medications, and is minimally invasive with short recovery time too. It can be a good option for many looking for alternative knee pain treatment options.

The Genicular Artery Embolisation Process

The genicular artery embolisation (GAE) procedure takes one to two hours. You’ll start your journey with a consultation with your interventional radiologist, who will give you information specific to you, including fasting, changing your medication and possible outcomes.

The GAE process:

1. A local anaesthesia will be applied to the entry site to numb your groin region  in preparation for incision. In some cases, sedation may be recommended to help you relax.
   
   
2. A small incision will be made, and a thin tube, called a catheter, will be inserted into the femoral artery, a large blood vessel that provides oxygenated blood to your lower body and lower anterior abdominal wall.
   
   
3. The interventional radiologist will use real-time x-ray imaging to guide the catheter through your arterial system to the genicular arteries (the 6 arteries in the leg) around the knees.
   
   
4. A contrast agent may also be injected to help the interventional radiologist visualise your blood vessels to help them guide the catheter to the right location.
   
   
5. With the catheter in place, tiny particles known as embolic agents are injected through the catheter, which will reduce the blood supply to the inflamed lining of your knee. 
   
   
6. Diagnostic imaging may be taken at this stage to confirm the successful blockage of the targeted arteries.
   
   
7. Once the treatment is complete, the catheter will be carefully removed from the artery and the incision closed with either sutures or by applying pressure.
   
   
8. You’ll be taken to the recovery area for a few hours to monitor your vitals and to ensure there are no immediate complications.
   
   
9. In good health, you’ll return home the same day with instructions to avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
   
   
10. After recovery, you’ll have a follow up appointment to check on your progress, pain relief and any potential late complications.
    
    

Why People Choose Genicular Artery Embolisation for Knee Pain

Long-term pain relief.

The goal of genicular artery embolisation for knee pain is to help reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis. It does this by using tiny particles to restrict blood flow to reduce inflammation, in turn reducing pain. This can provide long-term pain relief for knee pain, with studies showing this can reduce pain by up to 50% for more than 12 to 24 months. In some cases, you may be able to have repeat treatments after this time, depending on your needs. 

Increased mobility.

Aside from pain, inflammation from osteoarthritis can cause stiffness, resulting in mobility issues. By reducing inflammation, GAE can help alleviate stiffness and swelling. This can help make walking, bending down, walking up and down stairs, exercising and other activities easier. For many, gaining back quality of life is a big benefit of embolisation for knee pain, other than pain relief.

Quick results.

Genicular artery embolisation can work in some patients within 3 days of treatment. This does vary from person-to-person, and it may take a week or two to start to experience the full effects of the procedure. It’s important to be transparent with your interventional radiologist before and after your procedure so they can accurately monitor your pain levels and make the right recommendations for you.

Minimally invasive.

A minimally invasive procedure uses techniques to minimise the size or number of cuts required to complete a treatment. With GAE, you only need a small incision in the groin to allow for the catheter to be inserted. Depending on the person, you may not even need sutures, with only pressure required to close the incision site. 

Short recovery time.

As GAE is minimally invasive, there is also very minimal recovery time and requirements. You’ll need to rest for a couple of days, but can generally return to work and your everyday routine within 2 to 3 days. However, you should still be cautious of overstimulating your knee to help minimise further discomfort and pain until the treatment has had time to take effect.