Geniculate Artery Embolisation

Genicular artery embolisation (GAE) is a modern treatment for osteoarthritis associated knee pain, performed by Interventional Radiologists. During this minimally invasive procedure, a steerable microcatheter is used to cannulate the tiny vessels around the knee (Genicular arteries) to deliver microparticles that reduce blood flow to the inflamed joint lining. In doing so, inflammation and associated nerve sensitivity is reduced, improving overall function.

Non-surgical treatment of chronic knee pain hasn’t evolved for over 30 years, with options including analgesia, weight loss, physiotherapy, compression garments and intra-articular steroid injection. Surgery remains the gold standard for treating severe and debilitating osteoarthritis, but often many painful years are endured prior to surgery. It is during these years where genicular artery embolisation can improve pain and overall function.

GAE is performed as a day-case, in hospital, under twilight sedation and local anaesthetic. A small tube is placed into top of the foot, and from here the Interventional Radiologist navigates a microcatheter into the knee vessels (genicular arteries) to deliver the treatment. A typical procedure takes 45 minutes, and patients are ready to go home 2 hours afterwards.

GAE has been shown to be effective at reducing pain in people with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis. Before the procedure, your Surgeon or Interventional radiologist will order an x-ray, MRI and examine your knee to determine whether this procedure is suitable.

Pain can take time to settle following the GAE procedure, as the inflammatory vessels and nerves progressively involute. Research collectively shows a significant pain reduction and functional improvement in 70 – 90% of subjects who underwent genicular artery embolisation, and results can be sustained beyond 2 years post procedure.

Some people have a transient worsening of pain post procedure and skin blanching, which settles with time and simple analgesia. 15-30% of patients may not experience pain relief following the procedure, and in these instances, it is reasonable to consider repeat treatment.

No. It is perfectly safe to have total knee arthroplasty following genicular artery embolisation.

Vascular and Interventional Radiology Queensland (VIRQ) is the largest group of specialist Interventional Radiologists who are currently performing GAE and other musculoskeletal interventions in Queensland. Speak with your GP or specialist about a referral to VIRQ, or call us for more information.

VIRQ interventional radiologists are actively performing research in the field of musculoskeletal interventional radiology. Our current research is studying the benefit of GAE over intra-articular steroid injection for pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.