All you need to know
about Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition where the protective cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. It affects millions of people worldwide and can be deeply debilitating—limiting independence, disrupting sleep, and making even simple daily activities feel exhausting and frustrating.
In many people with knee osteoarthritis, the body forms extra tiny blood vessels in the painful area, which are not normally there. This increased blood flow keeps inflammation active and is closely linked to ongoing pain. In simple terms, these abnormal blood vessels act like a fuel source for pain, keeping the knee irritated even when you try to rest it.
What is Geniculate artery embolisation?
Genicular artery embolisation (GAE) is a safe and effective, non-surgical treatment for knee osteoarthritis pain. It is designed for people whose knee pain continues despite physiotherapy, injections, or medication, and who wish to delay or avoid surgery.
The procedure is usually performed as a day-case using local anaesthetic. A specialist doctor called an interventional radiologist inserts a very thin tube through a tiny opening in the groin artery and carefully guides it to the small blood vessels supplying the knee. Once the abnormal vessels causing inflammation and pain are identified, tiny particles are released to reduce this unnecessary blood flow, helping to settle inflammation over time.
The procedure itself typically takes around one hour, and patients are able to go home the same day. Recovery is generally quick, with many people noticing meaningful pain relief within two to four weeks. Because no bone or joint tissue is removed, GAE preserves future treatment options and can be particularly helpful for those who are not yet ready for knee replacement or prefer a less invasive approach.
Dr Goyal has led the research on GAE in Wales in a project called GO Wales (Geniculate artery embolization for Knee Osteoarthritis in Wales).
Important information
Is GAE the right procedure for me?
Genicular artery embolisation may be an option for people with knee osteoarthritis who continue to have pain despite trying treatments such as physiotherapy, steroid injections, or pain-relieving medication.
People who may be well suited to this treatment often include those who:
- Are active and want to maintain mobility
- Are aged 40 or over
- Have moderate to severe knee pain that affects daily life
- Have pain that is mainly in one area of the knee
- Have had little or no relief from standard treatments such as injections or medication
- Are not ready for, not suitable for, or do not want knee replacement surgery
GAE can also be used as a step before surgery for people who have long-term knee pain but whose joint is still in relatively good condition. Because knee replacement is major surgery and carries risks, embolisation may help control pain and delay surgery until it is truly necessary.
It can also be a helpful option for people who are not good candidates for surgery due to other medical conditions, or for those who simply prefer a non-surgical approach to managing their knee pain.
What is the success rate of GAE?
Genicular artery embolisation has a very high technical success rate, meaning the treatment can be carried out safely and as planned in almost all patients. Many people notice meaningful pain relief and improved movement, often lasting longer than standard knee injections.
For some patients, symptoms may return over time. If this happens, the procedure can sometimes be repeated, which may help further control pain and delay the need for knee replacement surgery.
Because GAE is still a relatively new treatment, doctors are continuing to study how long the benefits last and how many people can avoid knee replacement altogether. However, early results are encouraging, especially for those looking for a non-surgical option.
What are the risks of GAE?
Genicular artery embolisation is generally a low-risk procedure, especially when compared with major knee surgery. Most people tolerate it well and recover quickly. As with any medical treatment, there are some potential risks, although these are usually mild and temporary.
Possible risks include:
- Temporary pain or swelling in the knee or at the access site (wrist or groin)
- Bruising or minor bleeding where the catheter was inserted
- Irritation of nearby tissues or nerves, which is uncommon and usually short-lived
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye used for X-ray guidance (rare)
- Infection, which is extremely uncommon
Very rarely, the tiny particles used could affect nearby blood vessels, but this risk is very low when the procedure is performed by experienced specialists.
Serious complications are rare, and most patients are able to return to normal activities shortly after the procedure.
How long is the recovery period?
Recovery after genicular artery embolisation is usually quick and straightforward. It is common to experience some mild pain, stiffness, or aching in the treated knee in the days following the procedure. For some people, this temporary discomfort can last a few weeks and, in some cases, up to a month as the inflammation gradually settles.
Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities within a few days. However, it is usually advised to avoid driving, heavy lifting, or strenuous exercise for around 5 days, especially to allow the small access site in the wrist or groin to heal properly.
Pain relief often improves gradually rather than immediately, with many people noticing clearer benefits over several weeks as the abnormal blood vessels are reduced and inflammation calms.