Genicular Artery Embolisation (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure to reduce pain and improve function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.  Performed by interventional radiologists, GAE offers a new alternative for patients who have not benefited from other treatments

Degenerative disorders like osteoarthritis and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can lead to chronic knee pain where GAE can assist. The procedure works by targeting the joint lining, which becomes thickened and inflamed due to arthritis. By selectively reducing blood flow to this tissue, the procedure helps decrease inflammation and thickening, resulting in significant pain relief.

During the procedure, a tiny catheter is inserted into the arteries supplying the knee, and microscopic particles (called embolic agents) are introduced to reduce blood flow to the affected areas, alleviating pain and improving overall knee function.

Multiple local studies, building on positive overseas results, are underway to explore outcomes in different patient groups. Areas of research include comparisons with intra-articular steroid and local anaesthetic injections, and assessments of serum biomarkers before and after GAE to better understand the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis.

Patients who are seeking a non-surgical treatment for moderate to severe knee pain from osteoarthritis may benefit from GAE, and can be referred for a consultation with an interventional radiologist to assess suitability for this procedure.

Patients who meet the following criteria may be invited to participate in these studies:

• Mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis causing moderate to severe knee pain.

• Moderate to advanced knee osteoarthritis not considered suitable candidates for total knee replacement.

• Post-total knee replacement patients experiencing persistent chronic pain and/or haemarthrosis.

Find out more about the research studies here.