Knee osteoarthritis is painful and can negatively affect your mobility. While traditional treatments include pain management and lifestyle modifications, severe cases often require surgical intervention. As an alternative to knee replacement surgery, genicular artery embolization is a new procedure that offers relief without the extensive recovery.
Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease that affects millions. Genicular artery embolization is a minimally invasive treatment option that can relieve knee pain without the need for extensive rehabilitation. The experienced team at APEX Vascular provides expert, personalized care for knee osteoarthritis.
Understanding Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions worldwide. It’s a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones wears down over time. Osteoarthritis can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life, making early diagnosis and proper management crucial.
This breakdown can affect the entire joint, including:
- Bone
- Cartilage
- Ligaments
- Synovium (the lining of the joint)
Common osteoarthritis symptoms
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Reduced range of motion
Development and risk factors
Osteoarthritis typically develops slowly and worsens with age, most often affecting hands, knees, hips, and spine.
Risk factors include:
- Aging
- Obesity
- Joint injuries
- Repetitive joint stress
Treatment options
There is no cure for osteoarthritis. However, there are treatments that can help manage your symptoms.
They include:
- Exercise
- Weight management
- Pain medications can help manage symptoms
In severe cases, genicular artery embolization or joint replacement surgery may be necessary.
What is Genicular Artery Embolization?
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure for treating knee osteoarthritis pain. It involves selectively catheterizing the genicular arteries that supply the knee’s synovial lining during an angiogram—a medical imaging procedure that uses X-rays and contrast dye to visualize blood flow through arteries and veins.
GAE targets abnormal new blood vessels (neovasculature) associated with knee pain and inflammation. Clotting material is injected into these arteries to reduce blood flow between the joints, which has been known to decrease pain and inflammation.
The procedure is typically performed under moderate sedation and usually takes less than an hour. It uses microscopic beads to block the formation of new blood vessels, breaking the feedback loop of inflammation and pain. Studies show significantly improved knee pain after GAE, with benefits lasting at least two years.
How Knee Surgery Works
Knee replacement surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours and involves replacing damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial components. The surgeon makes an incision over the knee, removes diseased bone and cartilage, and prepares the surfaces of the femur, tibia, and sometimes the patella. Metal implants are then positioned on the bones, often secured with cement or press-fit. A plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to allow smooth movement.
Complications are rare but can include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Pain
In some cases, only part of the knee is replaced. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, with patients often able to go home after a short hospital stay. Recovery involves early mobilization, with patients typically able to walk with assistance within a few days.
When and Why GAE May Be the Better Option
Genicular artery embolization may be a better option than knee replacement surgery for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Candidates usually haven’t responded to conservative treatments but aren’t candidates for joint replacement, either. As a minimally invasive procedure, GAE offers several advantages over traditional knee surgery.
Knee replacement surgery is invasive, requiring a 1-3 day hospital stay and extensive rehabilitation. Patients typically need 3-4 weeks of outpatient rehab with full recovery taking 3-12 months.
The procedure also carries small risks of complications such as nerve damage, blood clots, and infections. What’s more, knee replacement can be expensive and involves a large knee incision performed under general anesthesia.
In contrast, GAE is an outpatient procedure with no hospital stay. You may experience benefits as soon as 3 days post-procedure, with no need for lengthy rehab. It has low-risk complications and is a more cost-effective option. GAE is performed under conscious sedation through a small incision in the upper thigh.
The procedure’s minimally invasive nature allows for:
- Quicker recovery
- Improved mobility
- Reduced pain
GAE can provide relief lasting 6 months to 2 years, potentially delaying or avoiding knee replacement surgery. This makes it an ideal alternative for suitable candidates, offering a balance between effective pain management and minimal surgical intervention.
Choose APEX Vascular for Genicular Artery Embolization in Knoxville, TN
APEX Vascular offers personalized, high-quality care for genicular artery embolization procedures. Our interdisciplinary team boasts extensive experience in vascular surgery and is committed to delivering exceptional patient outcomes.
Our staff focuses on empowering you through education and guiding you through various endovascular approaches to create individualized treatment plans.
At APEX Vascular, we prioritize your well-being, ensuring a welcoming environment where you’re treated with dignity and respect. Our commitment to elevating care standards and contributing to overall patient wellness makes us a trusted choice for vascular procedures.
By choosing APEX Vascular, you can expect comprehensive, patient-centered care from a team dedicated to achieving the best possible results.
Osteoarthritis affects millions of people across the globe and is one of the most common forms of arthritis. Unlike knee replacement surgery, genicular artery embolization is a minimally invasive treatment option that can relieve knee pain without the need for extensive rehabilitation. The team at APEX Vascular provides expert, personalized care for the procedure.
APEX Vascular is a vascular surgery and vein center with locations in Knoxville, Lenoir City, Crossville, Decatur, and Harrogate, TN. We are dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality care that goes beyond medical treatment. Our exceptional vascular staff, boasting extensive experience in vascular surgery, works tirelessly to elevate the standards of patient care and contribute to your overall well-being. Visit us online or call us at 865-562-3232 to find out if you’re a candidate for GAE today!
