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GAE vs. Knee Replacement: Choosing the Right Path to Knee Pain Relief
For many years, knee replacement surgery was the only effective treatment option for severe cases of osteoarthritis of the knee. The good news is that there are now knee replacement alternatives, such as genicular artery embolization (GAE), that relieve symptoms and increase mobility. GAE is a minimally invasive, image-guided technique that involves blocking the blood supply to the lining of the knee joint, which reduces inflammation and pain, potentially delaying or even eliminating the need for knee replacement. Knee replacement, on the other hand, is a major surgery that involves replacing the damaged knee joint with artificial joints. While highly effective in restoring function and alleviating pain, it’s a more invasive procedure with longer recovery times and potential complications.
Genicular Artery Embolization
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure designed to address moderate to severe knee pain associated with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. It targets the genicular arteries supplying blood to the knee, aiming to reduce pain and inflammation without the need for traditional surgery. Pain relief typically begins to occur two weeks after the procedure. The following are other benefits of GAE.
- No hospital stay required
- Same day procedure
- Fewer complications
- Short recovery time
- Improved knee function and range of motion
- Reduced knee pain and inflammation
- Symptom improvement for 1 to 3 years
Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery is an invasive procedure for patients who have severe end-stage osteoarthritis. Patients who may need a knee replacement usually have trouble with day-to-day mobility, such as walking or climbing the stairs. If your osteoarthritis is not as severe, you may want to consider knee replacement alternatives. It’s important to note that patients receiving a knee replacement too early can increase the risk of repeat surgery, as they only last for about 10 years. Although surgery is the most complete way to relieve osteoarthritis knee pain, it also comes with a longer hospital stay, recovery, and risks.
- 1-3 day hospital stay
- Full recovery in 6 months to 1 year
- Higher risk of infection
- Higher risk of blood clots
- Higher risk of temporary or permanent nerve damage
- Need 3-4 weeks of physical therapy after surgery
Don’t let knee pain limit your life any longer! Schedule an appointment with our specialist to start your pain-free journey today.
Genicular Artery Embolization vs. Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery removes damaged bone and cartilage from the thigh bone, shin bone, and kneecap. It replaces it with an artificial joint typically made of metal and high-grade plastics that replicate the shape, size, and function of a natural knee joint. The patient is administered either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia to numb the lower part of the body. The surgeon makes an incision over the knee, exposing the damaged joint. The damaged portions of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) are carefully removed, and your doctor may also reshape your kneecap to fit the new prosthetic. The artificial knee joint is then implanted and attached to the bone using bone cement or press-fit without cement, depending on the specific type of prosthesis and the patient’s condition. The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a dressing is applied to cover the wound. The procedure generally takes 1-2 hours to complete.
Genicular artery embolization is a minimally invasive treatment that involves decreasing the blood flow to the lining of the knee. It is performed as an outpatient procedure and uses moderate sedation. The physician inserts a small catheter into the artery of the patient’s upper thigh and advances the catheter in the arteries to the areas of inflammation with live X-ray guidance. Once in position, tiny particles are injected through the catheter into these arteries, reducing the blood supply to provide long-term relief. The procedure generally takes 1-2 hours.
Genicular Artery Embolization vs. Knee Replacement Recovery
Knee replacement surgery requires a hospital stay of 1-3 days, and a full recovery takes between 6 months to 1 year. However, most patients may resume normal activities 6 weeks after surgery. During the recovery process, patients may also need to get physical therapy for up to four weeks after the procedure to rehabilitate and strengthen the knee. Patients may also experience pain in the first few weeks after the procedure and as the knee begins to heal.
However, the recovery time for GAE is much quicker. Patients can go home the same day and return to light activities as soon as one week after the procedure, but it’s best to avoid high-impact activities for at least two weeks. You may experience some discomfort after the procedure, but relief from symptoms can occur as shortly as two weeks as the effects of the treatment take hold.
Which Knee Pain Treatment is Right For You?
At American Knee Pain Centers, we believe that patients should be informed of all available knee pain treatments for osteoarthritis. If you’re deciding between GAE and knee replacement surgery, there are a few important factors to consider. While a knee replacement provides long-term pain relief and improved mobility, it also requires hospitalization, a more intense recovery process, and a higher risk of complications. Knee replacement surgery is also not for everyone. For example, knee replacement surgery may not be recommended if you have pain associated with osteoarthritis that does not severely limit activities of daily living or negatively impact your quality of life.
We recommend genicular artery embolization at American Knee Pain Centers for patients considering treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. GAE is an innovative, minimally-invasive treatment option for patients who are suffering from chronic knee pain and are either not a candidate for a knee replacement or would like to avoid major surgery. It can be performed multiple times without increasing the risk of complications, helping to delay knee joint replacement surgery in the long run. GAE also effectively reduces knee pain and inflammation, improves knee function and range of motion, and has fewer risks and complications compared to a knee replacement.
Why Choose American Knee Pain Centers for GAE?
American Knee Pain Centers stands out as the premier choice for addressing knee pain related to osteoarthritis, providing unparalleled expertise and cutting-edge treatments, such as genicular artery embolization. GAE is a breakthrough procedure that targets the genicular arteries, addressing the root cause of osteoarthritis-related knee pain with precision. At American Knee Pain Centers, we stand out as leaders in this innovative approach, boasting a team of skilled interventional radiologists dedicated to providing effective, minimally invasive solutions. Our focus on GAE reflects our dedication to advancing treatment options for osteoarthritis, offering patients a non-surgical alternative that can significantly alleviate pain and improve joint function. By choosing American Knee Pain Centers for GAE, individuals with osteoarthritis can access state-of-the-art technology and a team devoted to enhancing their quality of life through patient-centric care.
Our Knee Pain Specialists
Osteoarthritis got your knees down? We have a team of experienced and compassionate board-certified interventional radiologists in New York and New Jersey who understand your unique challenges. Our affiliated team works with you to create a personalized treatment plan that goes beyond just managing pain. It’s about restoring your movement, confidence, and quality of life. You can find the following specialists at our New York and New Jersey locations.
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.