Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

A minimally invasive treatment for chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis

Understanding Knee Pain

Chronic knee pain is commonly caused by osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition that leads to inflammation of the lining of the knee (synovium). This inflammation causes pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Over time, abnormal small blood vessels may form around the knee joint and contribute to ongoing pain and inflammation.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure for treating chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis or related to chronic inflammation. It works by reducing blood flow to the inflamed areas of the knee, which can help relieve pain and improve mobility. Interventional radiologists will insert a small catheter (a thin hollow tube) into the artery of the patient’s upper thigh and, with the use of X-rays, guide the catheter to the arteries supplying the lining of the knee. Tiny particles are then injected through the catheter into these arteries, reducing the blood supply. This in turn reduces the inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, which alleviates the pain

Common Conditions Treated

1. Knee osteoarthritis
2. Persistent knee pain after arthroscopy or joint injury
3. Chronic inflammatory knee pain unresponsive to other treatments

Who May Benefit

You may be suitable for GAE if you:

1. Have moderate to severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis more than 3 months
2. Have not had relief from medications, physiotherapy, or injections
3. Wish to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
4. Prefer a non-surgical, outpatient option for pain relief

How the Procedure Is Performed

1. Performed by an interventional radiologist
2. Done under local anaesthesia with light sedation for comfort
3. A small catheter is inserted into an artery (usually in the upper thigh)
4. Using X-ray guidance, the catheter is advanced to the small arteries supplying the inflamed areas of the knee
5. Tiny microparticles are injected to block the abnormal vessels while maintaining normal blood flow
6. The procedure usually takes about 1–2 hours and is performed as a day-stay treatment

Benefits

1. Minimally invasive – no surgical incision
2. Performed under local anaesthesia – no general anaesthesia
3. Day procedure – no overnight hospital stay
4. Pain improvement usually within weeks
5. Improved mobility and function
6. May delay or reduce the need for knee replacement surgery

Risks and Side Effects

Most patients recover without complications, but possible side effects include:

1. Mild bruising or tenderness at the catheter site
2. Temporary skin discolouration around the knee (resolves in 2–3 weeks)
3. Temporary mild swelling or discomfort around the knee for a few days after the procedure
4. Temporary mild numbness in the lower limb
5. Rarely: infection, tissue injury, or small skin ulceration

After the Procedure

1. Most patients go home the same day
2. Light activities can usually resume within 24–48 hours
3. Pain relief typically begins within 2–4 weeks, with continued improvement over several months
4. GAE can reduce the need for regular pain medications and help you return to activities you may have stopped due to knee pain. Some people feel relief right away, while others may notice gradual improvement over several weeks.
5. Physiotherapy may help maintain mobility and knee strength
6. Follow-up is arranged with your interventional radiologist

Talk to Us

If you suffer from chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis and are looking for a non-surgical option, talk to your interventional radiologist or referring doctor about Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).

For more information, visit: https://theii.org/gae.