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GAE vs. Knee Gel Injections: Which Treatment Works Better?
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) and knee gel injections are minimally invasive treatments for knee osteoarthritis, offering patients relief from chronic knee pain and improving overall function. These two procedures have gained popularity as alternative options to knee replacement surgery and have shown promising results in reducing pain and increasing mobility for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Genicular Artery Embolization
Genicular artery embolization is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure that targets the genicular arteries surrounding the knee joint. By selectively blocking these arteries, GAE reduces the inflammation and pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. The effects of GAE are often long-lasting, providing sustained relief from osteoarthritis symptoms.
- No hospital stay
- Same day procedure
- Improved function and range of motion of the knee
- Significantly reduces knee pain and inflammation
- Symptom improvement lasting for 1 to 3 years
- Ideal for candidates with moderate to severe osteoarthritis
Knee Gel Injections
Knee gel injections, also known as viscosupplementation, involve the injection of hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the joint fluid that helps lubricate and cushion the knee, improving mobility and reducing pain. However, the effects of knee gel injections are not permanent, and only provide short-term pain relief, with some patients reporting little to no relief at all.
- No hospital stay
- Same day procedure
- Results last 6 – 12 months
- Temporary pain relief
- Repeat injections are needed to maintain pain relief
- May not be an effective treatment for everyone
- Ideal for candidates with mild to moderate OA
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 Gel Injections
Knee gel injections are simple, quick, and performed on an outpatient basis, avoiding the need for surgery similar to GAE. During the injection process, the knee area is cleaned and numbed, and then using a fine needle hyaluronic acid is injected into the knee joint. The injection typically takes only a few minutes and you can go home the same day.
The GAE process begins with a detailed consultation with an interventional radiologist at American Knee Pain Centers. Imaging tests, such as MRI or X-ray, are conducted to map the blood vessels around the knee and determine the best approach for the procedure. During GAE, a tiny catheter is then inserted through a small incision, typically in the groin, and guided to the genicular arteries. Micro-sized particles are injected to block these arteries, reducing blood flow to the inflamed areas and effectively alleviating pain and inflammation. The entire procedure usually takes about 1-2 hours and is a same-day procedure similar to knee gel injections.
Genicular Artery Embolization vs. Knee Gel Injection Recovery
The recovery time for knee gel injections is immediate to a few days. Patients may need to avoid strenuous activities for a short period but can usually resume normal activities soon after the injection. The recovery time for GAE is similar, lasting only a few days with patients being able to return to light activities within a week.
Which Knee Pain Treatment is Right For You?
Choosing between GAE and knee gel injections depends on the severity of your osteoarthritis. GAE is often more suitable for severe cases that have not responded well to other treatments, while knee gel injections are typically used for mild to moderate cases. Also, knee gel injections may not work for everyone. There have been cases where some people have not experienced significant pain relief in their knees from the injections. If you are older or have severe osteoarthritis, you may be unable to find relief from this treatment.
At American Knee Pain Centers, we recommend GAE as our preferred knee pain treatment option for patients with osteoarthritis. GAE is a minimally invasive treatment that provides long-lasting results and significant relief from osteoarthritis symptoms. It effectively improves chronic knee pain, inflammation, and range of motion – helping patients manage their symptoms for up to two years or more compared to temporary relief provided by knee injections.
Why Choose American Knee Pain Centers for GAE?
American Knee Pain Centers is your top choice for treating chronic osteoarthritis knee pain. Our affiliated team of interventional radiologists is committed to providing minimally invasive solutions, such as GAE, to alleviate pain, discomfort, and inflammation without the need for surgery. By choosing American Knee Pain Centers for GAE, you gain access to state-of-the-art technology and a team devoted to enhancing your quality of life through patient-centric care.
Our Knee Pain Specialists
Do you have chronic knee pain? Our board-certified interventional radiologists in New York and New Jersey can help treat your pain caused by osteoarthritis. They work with you to create a customized treatment plan that relieves the pain in your knees and improves your range of motion. You can find the following affiliated knee pain specialists at our offices in New York and New Jersey.
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.