A new, low‑risk method is helping people with long‑standing knee pain feel better without having to go under the knife.
Take Cynthia, a 74‑year‑old who tried the treatment called genicular artery embolization (GAE). One year after the procedure on her right knee, she says the relief feels just as good as the knee replacement she had on her left side.
“I’m thrilled,” she tells us, smiling after the doctor, Dr. Leigh Casadaban, performed the GAE. Simple activities like gardening or pedaling a stationary bike are now painless and fun.
What Is Genicular Artery Embolization?
GAE is done in a clinic, not a hospital room. Doctors use a tiny tube to block tiny blood vessels that feed inflamed spots inside the knee joint. Cutting off that blood flow reduces swelling and pain.
Dr. Casadaban, a vascular interventional radiologist, explains that most patients first try medicines, physical therapy, or steroid shots. If those don’t work, the next step is usually a full knee replacement. GAE fills the gap in between – a middle‑ground option for those who need more than drugs but aren’t ready for surgery.
People with mild to moderate osteoarthritis tend to see the biggest benefits. Even those with more severe disease can try it, though the relief may not last as long.
“About seven out of ten patients report dramatic pain drops,” says Dr. Casadaban. “Some cut their pain scores in half or even eliminate pain completely. Those who have exhausted other treatments love getting back to normal life.”
The Procedure Step‑by‑Step
GAE usually lasts one to two hours and is performed while the patient is calmly sedated.
First, a small cut is made near the knee crease. Using live X‑ray images and a contrast dye, the doctor threads a thin catheter from the thigh’s femoral artery up to the genicular arteries that surround the knee.
Once positioned, microscopic beads are released to block the abnormal vessels that cause pain. After the beads are in place, the team watches the patient for a few hours before sending them home.
Recovery is gentle – most doctors advise light activity for a few days and then a gradual return to regular chores.
How Long Does Relief Last?
Early studies are promising. Research from Japan shows that a single GAE can keep pain down for up to four years. In the United States, two‑year data shows similar lasting relief for patients who respond well.
Dr. Casadaban is running two trials at the University of Colorado Anschutz. One looks at changes in knee fluid after GAE, and the other tests a temporary device called Nexsphere‑F that blocks tiny knee vessels for a short time.
Beyond the Knee
While GAE is now approved mainly for knee osteoarthritis, doctors are exploring its use for other painful joints – such as frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, and even plantar fasciitis.
The technique offers hope for many who suffer from chronic joint pain but want to avoid major surgery.