Knee Osteoarthritis

What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of Americans. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

GAE is a groundbreaking minimally invasive procedure that reduces knee pain by targeting the abnormal blood vessels that contribute to inflammation in arthritic knees.

How GAE Works

Using image guidance, our interventional radiologist inserts a tiny catheter through a small nick in the skin and navigates it to the genicular arteries — the small blood vessels feeding the knee joint. Microscopic particles are then injected to reduce blood flow to the areas of inflammation, providing significant pain relief.

Benefits of GAE

• Minimally invasive — performed through a tiny skin puncture
• No general anesthesia — done under conscious sedation
• Outpatient procedure — go home the same day
• Quick recovery — most patients resume activities within days
• Preserves the joint — unlike knee replacement surgery

Who Is a Candidate?

GAE may be right for you if:

• You have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
• Conservative treatments (physical therapy, injections) haven’t provided lasting relief
• You want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
• You’re looking for a minimally invasive option

Frequently Asked Questions About GAE

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of Americans. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

What is genicular artery embolization (GAE)?

GAE is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces knee pain by targeting the abnormal blood vessels that contribute to inflammation in arthritic knees. Using image guidance, our interventional radiologist inserts a tiny catheter through a small nick in the skin and navigates it to the genicular arteries — the small blood vessels feeding the knee joint. Microscopic particles are then injected to reduce blood flow to the areas of inflammation, providing pain relief.

What are the benefits of GAE compared to knee replacement?

GAE is minimally invasive (performed through a tiny skin puncture), requires no general anesthesia (done under conscious sedation), is performed as an outpatient procedure (go home the same day), allows quick recovery (most patients resume activities within days), and preserves the joint, unlike knee replacement surgery.

Am I a candidate for GAE?

GAE may be right for you if you have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, conservative treatments (physical therapy, injections) haven’t provided lasting relief, you want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery, or you’re looking for a minimally invasive option.

What are the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis?

Common symptoms include chronic knee pain, stiffness (especially in the morning), swelling around the knee, decreased range of motion, and a grinding or popping sensation.

Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief

At Vascular & Interventional Specialists, we offer Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) — a minimally invasive treatment that targets chronic knee pain at its source. Most patients experience significant relief within days.

Contact us today or call (605) 217-5617 to schedule your consultation. You can also learn more about GAE.

If you experience emergency symptoms, call 911 immediately.