A Non-Surgical Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
Chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis can limit walking, daily activities, and quality of life. Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a modern, minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment that reduces knee pain by targeting abnormal blood vessels causing inflammation — without knee replacement surgery.
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to reduce chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.
GAE works by:
GAE is mainly done for:
Main goals:
GAE is performed by an interventional radiologist using advanced imaging guidance.
Step-by-step process:
Genicular artery embolization is generally safe, with most side effects being mild and temporary.
Possible risks with approximate incidence include:
Treatment options for chronic knee pain depend on:
Often, a combination of treatments is used to achieve better pain control.
Alternative 1: Pain Medications
Alternative 2: Physical Therapy
Alternative 3: Acupuncture
Alternative 4: Steroid Injections
Alternative 5: Joint Surgery or Joint Replacement
Choosing the Right Joint Pain Treatment
Every patient’s condition is unique. A detailed assessment helps identify the most effective, safest, and least invasive treatment option, based on symptoms, health status, and recovery goals.
📌 Compared to surgery, GAE is non-surgical, repeatable, and preserves the knee joint.
Recovery after GAE is usually quick.
After the procedure:
Many patients report significant pain reduction and improved mobility.
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure used to reduce chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis by blocking abnormal inflammatory blood vessels around the knee.
Yes. GAE is a safe and well-studied procedure when performed by an experienced interventional radiologist. Serious complications are very rare.
GAE is suitable for patients who:
Clinical studies show that 70–85% of patients experience significant reduction in knee pain and improvement in mobility after GAE.
Many patients begin to notice pain relief within 1–3 weeks, with continued improvement over 1–3 months.
GAE does not cure osteoarthritis, but it reduces inflammation and pain, allowing patients to move better and improve quality of life.
The procedure itself is painless as it is done under local anesthesia. Mild knee discomfort or soreness may occur for a few days after the procedure.
Recovery is quick. Most patients:
GAE is not a replacement for knee replacement in advanced arthritis, but it is an excellent non-surgical option to delay or avoid surgery in suitable patients.
Yes. GAE can be safely repeated if pain returns or if additional symptom relief is needed.
Yes. GAE is available in specialized centers in India and is performed by trained interventional radiologists using advanced imaging technology.
You should consider GAE if:
If knee pain is limiting your movement, independence, or lifestyle, you don’t have to wait for knee replacement.
