Millions of people around the world, especially older people, are experiencing chronic knee pain due to various knee problems like osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), etc. Some people may not find relief from pain even after undergoing conservative treatments like medication, physiotherapy, strength training, and joint injections.
In such cases, total knee arthroplasty, also known as joint replacement, is one of the most effective options for alleviating pain and regaining knee function. Given the cost of the surgery and its invasive nature, people are looking for alternative treatments.
Moreover, many people who have severe knee OA and are obese might face difficulties with surgery. For such people, geniculate artery embolisation (GAE) is one of the best options, which has recently been developed to treat symptomatic knee OA. It was originally designed to treat knee hemarthrosis.
Over the past years, GAE has been delivering promising results in overcoming knee pain and improving knee function after treatment. People who are suffering from knee OA and are afraid to undergo surgery or are not eligible for surgery can opt for GAE treatment.
What are genicular arteries?
Genicular arteries play a key role in supplying blood to various parts of the knee joint, like bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. There are six genicular arteries, and they play a major role in maintaining your knee joint health and its functions. These arteries become inflamed or compressed in people with osteoarthritis. In such cases, people experience knee pain and swelling. If the condition is not treated, it may even result in loss of function and inability to move. Dr. Pradyumna Reddy, one of the best interventional radiologists in Hyderabad, can treat these conditions with the latest and most innovative approaches, like genicular artery embolisation (GAE).
Genicular artery embolization
Only a few hospitals in India and around the world offer this advanced knee pain treatment, especially in severe cases. GAE is a new and minimally invasive approach to treat chronic knee pain often caused by other degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA).
During the GAE procedure, the surgeon makes a small cut in the groin area and inserts a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into the genicular arteries. The catheter is directed towards the abnormal artery with the help of X-ray guidance. Once it reaches the abnormal artery, tiny particles or beads are released so that they block the blood flow and destroy the nerves, causing knee pain. This approach is clinically proven, which helps in reducing joint problems like inflammation, pain and also increases the mobility of the knee.
In a short span of time, GAE turned out to be a best alternative for knee replacement surgery. It is not only effective but also safe, especially for patients who have tired of treatments like physical therapy, corticosteroid injections or pain medication for knee pain. This is an outpatient procedure, and many patients reported that they have seen a significant improvement within a few weeks following treatment.
Who is eligible for GAE?
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a good option for treating knee osteoarthritis in a wide variety of patients. Patients who are eligible for this procedure should be active and above 40 years old, have moderate to severe pain, and have localised knee pain. The procedure is very beneficial for patients with no great results from the common treatment methods, such as steroid injections and medications, and also for those who are unsuitable for knee replacement or prefer to delay it.
GAE may also be considered as a temporary solution for patients struggling with chronic knee pain, but their knee joint is in good condition. As we know, the parts used in knee replacements have a limited lifespan, which is why delaying the surgery until it is truly necessary can be beneficial.
On the other hand, this intervention could be seen as a real-life option for patients who are not ready to undergo the operation and those who are regarded as high risk due to severe osteoarthritis or other health issues like diabetes or excessive weight, which leads to more difficult joint replacement.
If you are looking for the best alternative treatment for knee replacement surgery, consult Dr. Pradyumna Reddy, one of the doctors for knee pain treatment in Hyderabad.
