Genicular artery embolization (GAE) provides relief for knee osteoarthritis pain

For years, there’s been a gap in the treatment options for people suffering from osteoarthritis of the knees.

Those dealing with this very painful, mobility-reducing condition are generally given three progressive treatment options:

1. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen
2. Steroid and other injections into the knee
3. Knee replacement surgery

The first two options can provide temporary relief from symptoms but don’t cure the condition. The next option for patients is replacement surgery, which is considerably more complex.

But a newer option available at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center can offer long-term relief from osteoarthritic knee pain via a short procedure that involves one pinhole incision that sends patients home the same day.

What is genicular artery embolization?

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the source of knee pain in people with osteoarthritis. The six genicular arteries send blood to all parts of the knee. In osteoarthritis patients, these arteries can become inflamed, leading to knee pain.

GAE involves a small prick in one of a few possible places in the body (often the groin). Using small catheters and wires, we can navigate to the blood vessels that are causing the pain, then inject microscopic beads or other agents that reduce blood flow in the areas of inflammation and pain. A patient heads home shortly with just a bandage over the injection site.

What are some advantages of GAE?

GAE is a good option for arthritis patients looking to delay or possibly avoid knee replacement surgery. While safe and effective, knee replacements do involve the same risks as any surgery – exposure to anesthesia, bleeding and pain among them. Knee replacements can also involve physical therapy to recover and the length of the recovery period can depend on the age and health of the patient.

Is GAE safe for treating knee pain?

Although it is relatively new to the United States, GAE was pioneered about a decade ago in Japan and studied extensively there.

A 2022 study from the National Institutes of Health shows that GAE hasn’t led to complications among patients who have had it, and that the procedure is safe and effective.

Where can I get GAE to treat knee pain?

I performed the first GAE treatment at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center in 2022. We were among the first in Ohio to offer it and remain one of few centers across the country to perform it. Since then, the technique has been further refined, and we offer the newest advances to our patients.

Although it’s safe to have the procedure repeated, I’ve yet to have a patient need it a second time. The procedure has also been covered by insurance for all the patients of mine who have sought it.

In the years since that first procedure, Ohio State has enrolled in a national clinical trial for GAE and has increased its capacity to offer the treatment, both through training existing staff and adding more interventionalists who can perform it.