Knee Arthritis & Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC

Vascular Surgery & Podiatry located in Bel Air, MD & Towson, MD

Knee osteoarthritis can become debilitating when not treated. At Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, in Bel Air, Baltimore, Towson, Westminster, Elkton, Frederick, Ellicott City, Hampstead, Abingdon, Lutherville, and Severna Park, Maryland, as well as Wilmington and Newark, Delaware, the board-certified surgeons treat knee arthritis using genicular artery embolization (GAE) to ease symptoms and restore joint mobility.

Knee Arthritis and GAE Q&A

What is genicular artery embolization (GAE) and what is its impact on Knee Arthritis?

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate pain and improve function in individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage breakdown, bone remodeling, and chronic inflammation. By targeting the genicular arteries—small blood vessels that supply the synovium (the lining of the knee joint)—GAE reduces excessive blood flow to areas of inflammation, thereby decreasing pain and improving quality of life without the need for invasive surgical interventions like total knee replacement.

Who is a candidate for genicular artery embolization?

Candidates for genicular artery embolization are individuals with knee osteoarthritis or other degenerative conditions who have not found relief via conservative knee pain treatments, such as knee injections, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. They also aren’t eligible for (or wish to avoid) knee replacement surgery.

You might be a good candidate for GAE if you:

Have moderate to severe knee pain
Are active
Are 40-80 years old
Have osteoporosis (without bony deformities) confirmed with X-rays
Experience local knee tenderness or pain

However, you might not be a good candidate for this treatment if you have an infection, malignancy, advanced arthritis, or a previous or current history of smoking.

Your vascular surgeon discusses your goals, reviews your medical history, and completes a physical exam and diagnostic testing to create a customized plan that best suits you.

To learn more about the GAE procedure, click here.

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