If you have knee pain from arthritis, you’ve probably heard about knee replacement surgery or injections as treatment options. But there’s another option — Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) — that can help relieve pain without surgery.
Unlike knee replacement surgery, which involves removing and implanting bone and tissue, GAE targets the tiny arteries that feed the inflamed joint lining. By reducing excess blood flow, GAE decreases inflammation and pain without cutting into the knee or requiring a lengthy recovery. It helps calm the joint down, which can ease pain and make it easier to move again.
Compared to steroid or gel injections, GAE provides longer-lasting relief. While injections may need to be repeated every few months, most patients experience months to years of improvement after a single GAE procedure and can return to normal activities within days.
Key differences:
- HoNo hospital stay or general anesthesia
- No implants or joint removal
- Faster recovery time
- Long-term pain relief
- Ideal for patients not ready or not eligible for surgeryw GAE Compares to Knee Replacement or Injections
If you’re not ready for surgery or want to avoid repeated injections, GAE may be a great option to help reduce your knee pain and keep you moving.
