If you’re living with chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, you’ve likely tried everything—physical therapy, over-the-counter meds, maybe even steroid injections. But if the pain keeps coming back and you’re not ready for knee replacement surgery, there’s another option: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).
This minimally invasive procedure is helping patients in Cleveland and Atlanta find long-lasting relief without going under the knife. But is GAE the right solution for your knee pain? Here’s what you need to know.
GAE is a non-surgical procedure that reduces blood flow to the inflamed lining of the knee joint. When osteoarthritis progresses, tiny blood vessels (called genicular arteries) grow and feed inflammation in the joint. GAE blocks these vessels, reducing pain and swelling at the source—without replacing any part of the joint.
It’s an outpatient procedure performed by a vascular specialist, typically with light sedation and minimal recovery time.
If your knee pain is caused by osteoarthritis—especially in the early to moderate stages—GAE may help you delay or avoid surgery altogether.
If physical therapy, NSAIDs, braces, and injections haven’t worked, GAE offers a next step before considering surgery.
Whether due to age, lifestyle, or other medical reasons, some people simply aren’t ready for total knee replacement. GAE is joint-preserving, meaning you keep your natural knee.
Knee replacement can require months of rehab. With GAE, most patients return to light activity within a few days.
hile GAE is a great option for many patients, it’s not right for everyone. You may need to consider other treatments if:
You have severe bone-on-bone arthritis with significant joint deformity
You have active infections or vascular complications
Your pain is caused by issues unrelated to osteoarthritis (e.g., ligament tears)
Your provider will use imaging and a full evaluation to determine if GAE is appropriate for your situation.
| Treatment | Invasive? | Relief Duration | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs | No | Short-term | None |
| Corticosteroid Injections | No | Weeks to months | Minimal |
| Physical Therapy | No | Varies | Ongoing |
| GAE | Minimally | 12+ months | Days |
| Total Knee Replacement | Yes | Years | Months |
Many patients report major improvements in knee pain and quality of life within just a few weeks of the procedure. Some go back to walking, working, and enjoying hobbies they had to give up due to pain—all without surgery.
At Preferred Vascular Group, we offer GAE consultations at both our Cleveland, OH and Atlanta, GA locations. Our experienced team will review your history, imaging, and symptoms to help you make an informed decision.
