January 6, 2025
For patients with knee osteoarthritis, you’ll be all too familiar with pain, stiffness and discomfort in your affected knee/knees. In your search for pain relief or alternatives to knee replacement, you may have come across genicular artery embolisation (GAE), a minimally invasive procedure that aims to alleviate pain caused by osteoarthritis.
Many studies have shown long-term results of genicular artery embolisation ranging from 3 months to 2+ years. While results vary from person to person, being informed will help you feel more confident in the potential pain relief GAE may be able to bring you. This guide will help you learn what to expect following GAE and the relief this cutting-edge treatment may be able to bring you in your day-to-day life.
How Long Do Genicular Artery Embolisation Resuts Last?
Studies on genicular artery embolisation have demonstrated that the results of this innovative procedure can last anywhere from 3 months to over 24 months. This wide range of duration highlights the variability in individual responses to the treatment.
Patients who have undergone GAE have frequently reported a significant reduction in moderate to severe pain levels, which can be a life-changing improvement for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
In addition to pain relief, many patients have experienced enhanced functionality in their daily activities. This includes improvements in their ability to walk more comfortably, use stairs with greater ease, and stand for extended periods without experiencing the debilitating discomfort they once faced. These functional improvements can greatly enhance a patient's quality of life, allowing them to engage more fully in everyday activities and enjoy a more active lifestyle.
However, it is crucial to keep in mind that the results of GAE can vary significantly from one person to another, influenced by factors such as the severity of the condition and individual health profiles.
On average, recipients of genicular artery embolisation experience a 30% to 50% reduction in pain, coupled with improved functionality. This relief typically lasts for a minimum of 6 months and can extend up to 1 to 2 years, providing a substantial period of improved quality of life for many patients.
These outcomes have been consistently observed in numerous studies conducted across the globe, underscoring the potential of GAE as a viable long-term solution for managing knee osteoarthritis pain.
The global research community continues to explore and document these long-term results, contributing to a growing body of evidence that supports the efficacy and benefits of genicular artery embolisation for patients seeking alternatives to more invasive surgical options.
Immediate, long-term pain relief
A 2021 study from the Society of Interventional Radiology revealed out of 40 patients, the average genicular artery embolisation recipient saw their pain decrease from 8 out of 10 to 3 out of 10 within 3 days of treatment. 7 out of 10 of these patients reported a more than 50% reduction in their pain 12-months following genicular artery embolisation, while some studies have shown sustained pain relief at their 2-year follow-ups.
These results have been calculated using a number of different pain scales, including a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), where recipients point out their level of pain on a scale from 1 to 10 (mild to severe) with facial correspondence, as well as measurement of increased functionality, such as being able to climb stairs, walk and stand. This range of results has shown recipients not only experience long-term pain relief, but also increased quality of life through GAE treatment.
Is GAE the Non-Surgical Knee Pain Treatment For You?
GAE can help many people, but not everyone. Before treatment, your doctor and interventional radiologist will assess if you’re a candidate for treatment, including if you:
- Have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
- Are seeking a non-surgical knee pain treatment.
- Have been unsuccessful or displeased with other treatment options.
- Are not a candidate for knee replacement surgery.
- Do not have significant joint deformities or need cartilage replacement.
If you believe GAE is the right option for you, please do not hesitate to contact us to book a consultation.
