How Genicular Artery Embolization Works for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) has emerged as an innovative, minimally invasive treatment option designed to target the source of inflammation and help patients experience long-lasting pain relief.

What Is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

Genicular artery embolization is a minimally invasive image-guided procedure used to reduce knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Instead of treating the cartilage loss itself, GAE targets the inflammation associated with OA, which is often responsible for persistent swelling and pain around the knee joint.

During OA progression, abnormal blood vessels form around the knee, contributing to increased inflammation. GAE works by blocking these tiny abnormal vessels, thereby reducing inflammatory signals and improving pain.

Identifying the Pain-Producing Vessels

Using advanced imaging technology such as fluoroscopy, your interventional specialist identifies the genicular arteries supplying the inflamed areas of the knee. These arteries become overactive in osteoarthritis, increasing inflammation and pain.

Accessing the Arteries

A small puncture is made, typically near the groin or wrist, to access the arterial system. A catheter is gently navigated to the targeted genicular arteries using real-time imaging to ensure precision.

Embolizing the Vessels

Microspheres - tiny medical-grade particles - are carefully injected through the catheter. These particles partially block the abnormal vessels responsible for inflammation. The blockage reduces excessive blood flow, calming the inflammatory processes causing knee pain.

Minimizing Pain at the Source

By decreasing inflammation and reducing nerve sensitivity around the joint, patients often begin noticing improvement within days to weeks following the procedure. Because GAE addresses the underlying inflammatory response rather than masking symptoms, its results can last significantly longer than traditional injection-based therapies.

Benefits of Genicular Artery Embolization

GAE offers several advantages for patients looking for relief from chronic knee OA pain:

• Minimally invasive with no surgical incisions

• Reduced inflammation and swelling

• Pain relief that can last months to years

• Quicker recovery than surgical interventions

• An excellent choice for patients not ready or not eligible for knee replacement

• Performed on an outpatient basis

For many individuals, GAE serves as a bridge therapy - delaying or potentially avoiding the need for joint replacement surgery.

Ready to Explore Your Treatment Options?

Genicular artery embolization is a promising therapy for knee osteoarthritis pain, offering long-lasting relief by targeting inflammation at its source. As a minimally invasive procedure with a quick recovery time, GAE provides an innovative alternative for patients who want to avoid or delay surgery.

If you're experiencing chronic knee pain and want to learn whether genicular artery embolization is right for you, schedule a consultation at Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine today. Visit our office in Lake Geneva or Kenosha, Wisconsin, or call (262) 299-6199 to book an appointment.