You worked hard your whole life so you could enjoy retirement. Travel. Grandkids. Golf. Morning walks. But now your knees have other plans.
Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of disability in adults over 50. If you’ve been told your only real options are cortisone shots, physical therapy, or a knee replacement — there’s something new worth knowing about.
It’s called Genicular Artery Embolization, or GAE. And for the right patient, it can provide significant pain relief without surgery, implants, or a months-long recovery.
Why Do Arthritic Knees Hurt So Much?
When cartilage in the knee wears down from osteoarthritis, the joint becomes inflamed. Part of what drives that ongoing inflammation is an overgrowth of tiny blood vessels in the lining of the joint. These new vessels bring pain signals with them — which is why arthritic knees can ache even at rest.
GAE works by targeting and blocking those specific problem blood vessels, reducing inflammation at its source.
What Does GAE Involve?
- A tiny catheter is inserted through a small puncture — usually at the wrist
- Using real-time X-ray imaging, the doctor maps the small arteries around your knee and identifies the abnormal vessels feeding the inflamed tissue
- Microscopic particles are delivered to those specific vessels, reducing blood flow to the inflamed area
- The procedure takes about 1–2 hours. Patients go home the same day
There are no implants. No cutting of bone or cartilage. No general anesthesia required in most cases.
✓ Clinical studies show GAE can reduce knee pain by 50–70% in many osteoarthritis patients.
✓ Results are typically felt within 4–8 weeks and can last 2 or more years.
✓ GAE does not burn any bridges — you can still have knee replacement surgery later if needed.
Think of GAE as buying time and quality of life while avoiding — or delaying — major surgery.
How Is GAE Different From a Cortisone Shot?
Cortisone injections reduce inflammation temporarily — typically for a few weeks to a few months. GAE addresses the underlying blood vessel overgrowth driving the inflammation. The results tend to last significantly longer, and the procedure only needs to be done once (or occasionally repeated after a year or more).
Is GAE Right for You?
GAE tends to work best for patients who:
- Have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis (confirmed on imaging)
- Have knee pain that hasn’t responded well to physical therapy or cortisone injections
- Want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
- Are not surgical candidates due to other health conditions
- Are 40–80 years old with activity-limiting knee pain
Your retirement years should be lived — not spent managing pain. Let’s talk about whether GAE could help you get back to doing what you love.
Request a GAE consultation today.