The Latest Advances in Knee Pain Treatment: Why Genicular Artery Embolisation Stands Out

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints worldwide, affecting people of all ages, but particularly those with osteoarthritis. As medical advancements continue to evolve, new treatment options are emerging that provide patients with effective, minimally invasive alternatives to surgery. One of the most promising innovations is Genicular Artery Embolisation (GAE)—a procedure that has gained significant attention for its ability to reduce knee pain and inflammation with minimal downtime.

The medical and scientific community support GAE as a safe, effective procedure with long-term pain relief benefits. Unlike traditional knee pain treatments, GAE specifically targets the inflamed areas in the knee, providing fast results and a high success rate. While GAE is a relatively new approach to knee pain, embolisation itself has been widely used in treating other conditions for decades. Here’s everything you need to know about this groundbreaking treatment.

A Brief History of Genicular Artery Embolisation

Embolisation is not a new medical technique. It was first introduced in 1968 by Dr. Sadek Hilal, who developed the procedure to treat brain vascular malformations by blocking abnormal blood vessels with embolic agents. This method laid the foundation for interventional radiology and has since been used to treat various conditions, from uterine fibroids to internal bleeding and even cancerous tumors.

The use of embolisation for knee pain management is relatively recent. In 2019, the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology published the first study on GAE for osteoarthritis-related knee pain in the United States. This study reported a 100% success rate in 20 patients, with significant pain relief and only minor short-term side effects. Since then, numerous clinical trials and studies have confirmed its high effectiveness, making it a well-supported alternative for knee pain treatment.

How Does Genicular Artery Embolisation Work?

GAE is a minimally invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists. The process involves:

1. Local Anesthesia – The patient remains awake, with only a small area numbed.
2. Catheter Insertion – A tiny catheter is inserted through a small incision, usually in the groin or wrist.
3. Guided Navigation – Using live X-ray imaging, the radiologist guides the catheter to the genicular arteries in the knee.
4. Embolic Agent Injection – Small particles are injected into the affected arteries, reducing excessive blood flow to the inflamed area.
5. Inflammation Reduction – The restricted blood flow leads to decreased inflammation and pain relief.

The entire procedure takes 1 to 2 hours, and patients can usually return home the same day.

Why GAE Stands Out Compared to Other Knee Pain Treatments

GAE is gaining popularity because it offers numerous advantages over traditional knee pain treatments, including:

• Minimally Invasive – No major surgery or large incisions.
• Quick Recovery – Most patients resume normal activities within 2 to 3 days.
• No General Anesthesia – Reducing risks associated with sedation.
• Preserves the Knee Joint – Unlike surgery, GAE does not alter the knee structure.
• Long-Lasting Relief – Studies indicate sustained pain reduction for months to years.
• High Success Rate – Research shows significant pain relief in most patients.
• Can Be Repeated – If needed, the procedure can be done again in the future.

Additionally, GAE does not prevent future knee replacement surgery if required. In some cases, it is even used after knee replacement to reduce post-surgical bleeding (haemarthrosis), highlighting its versatility in knee pain management.

Who Can Benefit from GAE?

GAE is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing:

• Chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis.
• Inflammation and swelling resistant to other treatments.
• Limited mobility impacting daily life.
• Unsuccessful pain relief from injections, physical therapy, or medication.
• A desire to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery.
• This procedure is especially appealing to those who are not candidates for surgery due to age, underlying health conditions, or personal preference.

What to Expect After the Procedure

After undergoing GAE, most patients experience significant pain relief within two to six weeks. Some may notice improvements within just a few days. Minor side effects such as mild bruising, temporary discomfort, or slight swelling at the incision site may occur but typically resolve quickly.

Unlike major surgeries, GAE requires minimal post-procedure care. Patients are usually advised to:

• Avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
• Follow up with their doctor for progress assessment.
• Continue with any prescribed physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises.

Long-term studies continue to show promising results, with many patients reporting lasting pain relief and improved mobility.

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.