Knee pain caused by osteoarthritis? GAE may be right for you!
What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure which provides immediate and long-term pain relief for patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The pain experienced by patients with osteoarthritis is primarily due to abnormal blood vessels supplying the lining of the knee joint (the synovium) which leads to ongoing inflammation and synovitis (inflammation of the synovium). GAE works by blocking these abnormal vessels that have too much blood flow, causing the inflammation to subside.
GAE is a quick outpatient procedure, usually taking less than an hour. The procedure is done under “twilight” sedation, allowing you to remain comfortable during the procedure without the need for general anesthesia. A small catheter, or tube, is placed within the groin. No incision is needed. Utilizing specialized x-ray equipment, the small catheter is navigated into the small arteries supplying the knee joint, called genicular arteries. These arteries contribute to the ongoing inflammation and synovitis of the knee. Small inert particles are then injected into the abnormal arteries. By reducing the blood flow, there is a reduction in the amount of inflammation, which provides pain relief. Studies have shown that patients who have undergone GAE have reported significant reduction in pain and improvement in function during day-to-day activities. One recent prospective trial showed that average pain scores decreased from 8 out of 10 before GAE to 3 out of 10 within the first week following GAE. Pain improvement was also sustained at one year in the majority of the treated patients.
Who is Eligible for GAE?
The following conditions make for a good GAE candidate:
- Moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee
- > 40 years in age
- Refractory to conservative treatment (anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, etc)
- Patients who have severe osteoarthritis but are not surgical candidates for total knee replacement
Tired of knee pain caused by osteoarthritis? Call 308-675-3211 to make an appointment!
