If knee pain from osteoarthritis is slowing you down, you’re not alone. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. struggle just to walk, play with grandkids, or even get a good night’s sleep because of aching, stiff joints. For years, knee replacement surgery seemed like the only real fix for serious pain — but not everyone is ready (or able) to take on major surgery and months of recovery.
There’s good news: Genicular artery embolization, or GAE, is giving patients a minimally invasive option for lasting relief. So how do GAE and knee replacement stack up — learn more about GAE vs knee replacement to find which one is right for you.
Knee Replacement: Tried and True, but a Big Step
Total knee replacement is one of the most common surgeries in the country, with over 800,000 performed in the U.S. last year alone. And for people with advanced arthritis and lots of joint damage, it can be life-changing — easing pain, improving mobility, and letting them get back to activities they love.
But knee replacement is also a big commitment. You’ll need to plan for a hospital stay, weeks or months of physical therapy, and a recovery that makes daily routines harder for a while. There’s always some risk with surgery, including infection, blood clots, or the chance you’ll need another operation down the road. About 1 in 5 people aren’t completely satisfied with their results, often because of ongoing pain or limited movement.
If you’ve tried medications, injections, and therapy but still have moderate knee pain — or if other health issues make surgery risky — the “all or nothing” approach of total replacement might feel overwhelming.
GAE: The “Less Is More” Approach
GAE is changing the conversation around knee pain. Instead of surgery, this procedure uses a tiny tube (catheter) and X-ray guidance to gently place temporary microscopic particles into the small arteries that supply the inflamed parts of your knee. By reducing abnormal blood flow, GAE decreases pain and swelling linked to osteoarthritis — all without cutting into the knee or placing a joint implant.
GAE doesn’t require general anesthesia. You go home the same day, with only a small bandage as a reminder. And the downtime? It’s usually just a few days, not weeks or months.
Recent research is promising: In a 2023 study, more than 70% of patients felt their knee pain cut in half within six months of GAE. Most had little to no side effects and got back to their routines quickly. While GAE may not be as effective for people with severe, bone-on-bone arthritis, it’s a solid choice for patients with mild to moderate symptoms who want relief now and want to delay or avoid surgery.
Which One Fits Your Life?
You don’t have to settle for endless pain or jump straight to replacing your knee. GAE is perfect for people who:
- Have tried other treatments without enough relief.
- Aren’t ready for, or can’t have, major surgery.
- Want a short recovery and fast return to normal life.
- Hope to put off knee replacement for as long as possible.
And don’t worry — if you ever need knee surgery later, GAE won’t get in the way.
Find Out if GAE Is Right for You
North Star Vascular & Interventional specializes in helping patients explore all their choices for knee pain. Our team offers the latest, most effective minimally invasive treatments and will work with you and your doctors to find the best plan for your goals.
If you’re ready to get moving again and want to learn more about GAE, call us at (952) 960‑9399 or visit northstarir.com/conditions/knee-pain/.
