As a new alternative to knee replacement, many people are curious about the success rate of genicular artery embolization. Well, we've got plenty of stats that prove why this minimally invasive treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee is effective. First, though, let's explain what's involved in the procedure.
Genicular artery embolization, or GAE, offers an alternative to knee replacement surgery. It can treat osteoarthritis pain and progression without replacing the knee joint.
Who is a good GAE candidate? This treatment option is best if you have mild arthritis, and are seeking a treatment that is less invasive than surgery but takes a more aggressive approach than treatments involving anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. How does it find that middle ground? Put simply, genicular artery embolization blocks the flow of blood to your hypervascular joint lining (synovium).
How does blocking blood flow relieve osteoarthritis? Here's the story: your synovium is a vascular lining. As a result, if you develop osteoarthritis in your knee, that joint lining becomes thickened and inflamed, resulting in pain. So, to relieve that pain, our Georgia Knee Institute's interventional radiologists insert a small catheter into one of the leg arteries. Then, using x-ray guidance to navigate the blood vessels, we can pinpoint the origins of inflammation. Next, we'll target the inflamed synovium sections by injecting particles to decrease blood flow to the knee. In turn, inflammation and pain reduces, and joint function improves.
As an alternative knee replacement, GAE offers many benefits. It reduces inflammation in your joint lining, helping slow the progression of osteoarthritis. It also allows you to avoid a hospital stay or extensive healing time since it is a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure. What does that mean for you? YOu can show up on the morning of your procedure and return home hours later, resuming light to normal activities the following day.
Plus, with GAE, we avoid surgical incisions, stitches, staples and general anesthesia. All you need is mild sedation for your calm and comfort during the procedure, meaning you reduce the risk of surgical or post-surgical complications. And, you can undergo multiple GAE procedures, spaced by at least six months, so you can delay the need to undergo knee joint replacement surgery.
Still, that information doesn't reveal the success rate of genicular artery embolization. So here's what you've been waiting for. From clinical results, we can say that most patients enjoy up to six months of osteoarthritis relief following GAE. And newer research tells us that genicular artery embolization offers a success rate of 99.7%, making it an extremely effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Sound like an option worth exploring? Click here to request an appointment!
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