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Genicular Artery Embolization vs. Knee Arthroscopy: Finding Relief from Knee Pain
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) can significantly disrupt your active lifestyle. The constant ache, stiffness, and swelling caused by this condition can make even simple movements a challenge. While there’s no cure for OA, minimally invasive procedures like genicular artery embolization (GAE) and knee arthroscopy offer hope for managing symptoms and regaining some lost mobility. But with both options to choose from, it can be daunting to decide on the right treatment for you. Let’s explore GAE and knee arthroscopy to help you navigate this decision and manage your osteoarthritis more effectively.
Genicular Artery Embolization
GAE is a minimally invasive procedure that treats moderate to severe knee pain linked with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. It focuses on reducing blood flow to the genicular arteries that supply blood to the knee, to alleviate pain and inflammation without resorting to traditional surgery. Typically, you can experience relief from your knee pain two weeks after the procedure. The following are additional advantages of GAE.
- No hospital stay
- Same day procedure
- Quicker recovery time
- Improved knee function and range of motion
- Reduced pain and inflammation
- Symptom improvement lasting for 1 to 3 years
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, requires multiple incisions and general anesthesia, although it is less invasive than open surgery. Despite causing knee pain, osteoarthritis does not always effectively respond to arthroscopic knee surgery. Research indicates that knee arthroscopy typically does not alleviate pain, and any pain relief is usually short-lived. While complications from arthroscopy are uncommon, they can be severe, such as blood clots and infections. Additionally, there is a longer recovery period and limited mobility following the surgery.
- Fully recovery time 2-3 months
- Higher risk of infection
- Higher risk of blood clots
- Need 6-8 weeks of physical therapy after the procedure
- Provides short-term pain relief
Don’t let knee pain limit your life any longer! Schedule an appointment with our specialist to start your pain-free journey today.
GAE Procedure vs. Knee Arthroscopy Surgery
During knee arthroscopy, the surgeon makes several small incisions around the knee. The procedure involves the use of an arthroscope, a small, fiber-optic instrument with a camera, which is inserted into the knee through the incisions. The arthroscope allows the surgeon to view the inside of the knee joint on a monitor while performing the procedure. Your surgeon will look at the images on the monitor and use special surgical tools to repair torn tissues, shave off damaged cartilage, and remove inflamed tissues. After the procedure, the surgeon closes up the incisions with stitches and wraps your knee with bandages. Generally, knee arthroscopies are performed at an outpatient center and take 1 hour to complete, allowing you to go home the same day.
During the GAE procedure, an interventional radiologist places a small catheter into the patient’s upper thigh. Using real-time X-rays for guidance, the catheter is directed into the femoral artery, targeting areas of inflammation. Tiny particles are then delivered through the catheter into these arteries, reducing the blood supply. This helps decrease the factors causing inflammation and the pain associated with OA. Typically, the procedure lasts 1-2 hours and is performed with moderate sedation.
Genicular Artery Embolization vs. Knee Arthroscopy Recovery Time
The recovery time after knee arthroscopy is typically 6 weeks, with full recovery taking 2 to 3 months, depending on the severity of osteoarthritis or the specific procedure performed during the arthroscopy. During the initial six weeks of recovery, you will go to physical therapy to improve your range of motion and strength and gradually increase the weight you can put on your knee. After 6 weeks, you will continue to strengthen your knee, improve your balance, and may be able to resume most activities, including exercise.
The recovery period for GAE is significantly shorter. Patients can be discharged on the same day and resume light activities within a week of the procedure, though it’s recommended to refrain from high-impact activities for at least two weeks. Discomfort may be experienced post-procedure, but symptom relief can occur in as little as two weeks as the treatment takes effect.
Which Knee Pain Treatment is Right For You?
American Knee Pain Centers believes that patients should be informed of all available knee pain treatments for osteoarthritis. When choosing between GAE and knee arthroscopy, it’s important to consider that while knee arthroscopy may reduce inflammation and improve knee function, it may not necessarily alleviate knee pain. It is not the most effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis and carries a higher risk of complications and a longer recovery period.
We recommend genicular artery embolization as a treatment option for patients with knee osteoarthritis. GAE is a minimally invasive procedure that effectively reduces chronic knee pain and inflammation, improves knee function and range of motion, and carries fewer risks and complications compared to knee arthroscopy.
Why Choose American Knee Pain Centers for GAE?
American Knee Pain Centers is the top choice for treating knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. We offer advanced treatments, such as genicular artery embolization, which targets the genicular arteries to address the root cause of osteoarthritis-related knee pain. Our team of skilled interventional radiologists is dedicated to providing effective, minimally invasive solutions, making us leaders in this innovative approach. Our focus on GAE reflects our commitment to advancing treatment options for osteoarthritis, offering patients a non-surgical alternative that can significantly alleviate pain and improve joint function.
Our Knee Pain Specialists
Are you struggling with osteoarthritis in your knees? Our team of experienced and compassionate board-certified interventional radiologists in New York can help treat your pain and inflammation. We work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to do more than just manage your pain – we strive to restore your mobility, confidence, and quality of life. You can find the following knee pain specialists at our locations in New York.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Don’t let knee pain limit your life any longer! Schedule an appointment with our specialist to start your pain-free journey today.