Exploring the Effects of Genicular Artery Embolization

If you've been exploring alternatives to knee replacement surgery, you may wonder about the effects of genicular artery embolization. Recently, a new study updated available data on how long you can expect this procedure to relieve knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. This post reviews the study and shares important information on treating osteoarthritis of the knee.

How Long Do Effects of Genicular Artery Embolization Last?

Here at the Georgia Knee Institute, we provide an alternative to total knee replacement surgery for patients seeking knee pain relief from osteoarthritis. Known as genicular artery embolization (GAE), this minimally invasive procedure is a relatively newer knee osteoarthritis treatment. As such, data on its effects is somewhat limited. However, a recent Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology study has just added more information on how long you can expect to enjoy relief after undergoing GAE.

The study follows 40 patients who chose to undergo GAE to relieve their moderate to severe osteoarthritis knee pain. Over the course of two years, participants measured reported their pain scores, and every participant noted ongoing pain relief following their procedure. At the conclusion of the study period, the authors then concluded, "Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of adult disability and, until now, most minimally invasive treatment options have been proven to provide only short-term relief, measured in weeks or months. For patients who are not candidates for knee replacement surgery, our study shows that GAE provides durable benefit to many patients, measurable for up to 2 years, a great leap forward in offering this cohort lasting relief."

Exploring GAE in Georgia

The more we learn about how osteoarthritis impacts your body, the more we recognize the role that abnormal synovial blood vessels impact your pain experience. As such, when you undergo GAE and the procedure blocks blood flow to the synovial lining, the effects of genicular artery embolization will include reduces pain and inflammation, along with an improved quality of life.

Have you been told you're not a candidate for knee replacement surgery? Do you want to relieve knee pain without an invasive procedure? Request a consultation with our Atlanta-based interventional radiologists. When you're in the office, we'll explore your GAE candidacy and determine a treatment course to deliver lasting knee pain relief.