A New Minimally Invasive Procedure May Offer Long-Lasting…

A New Minimally Invasive Procedure May Offer Long-Lasting Relief for Knee Osteoarthritis Orthopaedics | Interventional Radiology | Pain Medicine Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and disability worldwide, affecting more than 365 million people. For many patients, treatment options often fall into an uncomfortable middle ground: medications, physiotherapy, and injections may no longer provide adequate relief, yet knee replacement surgery may not be appropriate or desirable. New research published in Radiology suggests that a minimally invasive procedure called Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) may help bridge that gap, providing meaningful pain relief and improved mobility for at least one year without the need for surgery. Osteoarthritis develops when the protective cartilage within joints gradually breaks down, leading to pain, stiffness, inflammation, and reduced mobility. While lifestyle modifications, exercise programs, anti-inflammatory medications, and joint injections can help manage symptoms, many patients continue to experience significant pain despite these treatments. At the same time, knee replacement surgery is not always suitable due to age, medical conditions, personal preference, or concerns about recovery. This has created growing interest in minimally invasive therapies that target the underlying biological processes contributing to osteoarthritis pain. What Is Genicular Artery Embolization? Genicular Artery Embolization is an image-guided procedure performed by interventional radiologists. Research has shown that arthritic knees often develop abn