Pain Relief Without Surgery: The Promise of Genicular Artery Embolisation

Surgery may not be your only option for osteoarthritis knee pain relief. While surgery helps treat damaged cartilage and tissue by replacing joint bone, genicular artery embolisation (GAE) is a minimally invasive treatment used to help treat inflammation in the knee to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

These are some of the promises and potential outcomes of GAE for pain relief without surgery, as well as studies from all over the world supporting evidence for effective treatment. If you have a question about how GAE may help you with knee pain, book a consultation with our interventional radiology team. 

Potential Outcomes of GAE for Pain Relief Without Surgery

The aim of genicular artery embolisation (GAE) is to restrict blood flow to the knee affected by osteoarthritis to reduce inflammation. This can result in:

• Significant pain relief.
• Reduced swelling.
• Increased mobility.
• Enhanced comfort.
• Reduce need for pain medications.
• Preservation of knee function.

Treatment is performed in 1 to 2 hours with no need for time in hospital. You’ll return home the same day after GAE, followed by 2 to 3 days of rest and recovery. On average, our patients see results within 1 to 2 weeks, but effects may be experienced sooner.  

Science Supporting the Use of GAE for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Management

The Perth Royal Hospital, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Department of Radiology Find GAE Effective for Management of Osteoarthritic Knee Pain

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Department of Radiology at the Perth Royal Hospital conducted a review on numerous studies on the effects of GAE on the management of osteoarthritis pain. Their research found:

• GAE is suitable for osteoarthritis patients with significant pain who have had at least 3 to 6 months of alternate treatment, like physiotherapy, weight reduction and pharmacological management with no reprieve. However, results were not as significant as those with mild to moderate pain
• GAE is suitable for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain, with significant pain reduction results over 3 to 6 month reviews.
• On average 2 to 3 vessels can be successfully embolised per knee. 
• Patients are typically discharged within 2 to 4 hours of treatment.
• A near 100% success rate is achieved across all studies.
• Treatment starts to take effect within a few days, with full clinical effect taking a few weeks.

Geelong Study Finds GAE Effective for Early-Stage Knee Osteoarthritis

A multitude of radiologists, physiotherapists, professors of orthopaedic surgery, orthopaedic surgeons and professionals conducted a study on the effects of GAE for early-stage knee osteoarthritis in Geelong, Australia. 59 participants with symptomatic Kellgren-Lawrence grade-2 knee osteoarthritis were randomly selected for treatment and study over the following 12 months. They found:

• KOOS pain scores improved by 41.3% and 29.4% in the intervention and control groups at 12 months.
• No adverse events occured.
• Complete embolisation recipients had significantly improved quality of life, sports and recreation and global change KOOS scores.
• 76.5% of participants reported moderate to significant improvement.

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.