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If you’ve been dealing with ongoing knee pain from osteoarthritis, you might be wondering if there’s a way to feel better without surgery.
The GAE knee procedure could be exactly what you’re looking for.
At Orthobiologics Associates, we help people find relief through advanced, minimally invasive treatments like Genicular Artery Embolization, or GAE for short.
Let’s explore what a GAE knee procedure is and how it can help you.
What Is the GAE Knee Procedure?
The GAE knee procedure, short for Genicular Artery Embolization, is a non-surgical treatment that targets knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.
During the procedure, a small catheter is guided into the arteries around your knee.
Once in place, tiny particles are injected to reduce blood flow to the inflamed areas.
By slowing down that blood flow, inflammation goes down and so does the pain.
The best part?
It’s an outpatient procedure.
That means no hospital stay, no major surgery, and very little downtime.
How Does GAE Help With Knee Pain?
Osteoarthritis causes inflammation in the knee joint, which leads to extra blood flow that keeps feeding the pain.
GAE works by cutting off some of that flow—specifically to the inflamed parts of the joint.
This helps break the cycle of pain.
Most people start feeling better within a week or two.
For many, GAE becomes a long-term solution, especially when combined with physical therapy or other non-surgical options.
Who Is a Good Candidate for GAE?
You may be a good fit for the GAE knee procedure if:
- You have chronic knee pain from mild to moderate osteoarthritis
- You want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
- Other treatments like injections or medications haven’t worked
- You’re looking for a non-invasive option with less recovery time
At Orthobiologics Associates, we do a full evaluation to figure out if GAE is right for you or if another treatment—like PRP, stem cell therapy, or physical therapy—might be a better option.
GAE vs Knee Replacement: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between GAE and knee replacement is how invasive they are.
GAE is done with a small catheter and doesn’t require cutting into the joint.
Knee replacement is major surgery and comes with a much longer recovery.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- GAE: Minimally invasive, outpatient, low risk, recovery in 1–2 days
- Knee Replacement: Major surgery, hospital stay, recovery in weeks to months
If you’re not ready for a full knee replacement—or just want to avoid it altogether—GAE could be a great option to try first.
Benefits of the GAE Knee Procedure
People choose GAE because it offers real benefits without the risks of surgery.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- No general anesthesia needed
- Done in one day—you go home the same day
- Minimal downtime (most people resume normal activities quickly)
- Helps reduce the need for pain medications or injections
- Can delay or even eliminate the need for knee replacement
Plus, if symptoms return down the line, the procedure can be repeated.
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?
GAE is generally safe, but like any medical procedure, it comes with a few possible side effects.
Studies show these might include:
- Minor bruising or soreness where the catheter was inserted
- A temporary increase in knee pain after the procedure
- Rare risks like blood vessel injury or infection
Most people do just fine and feel back to normal within a couple of days.
What to Expect Before, During, and After GAE
Before the procedure, we’ll set up a consultation to review your symptoms and imaging.
If GAE looks like a good fit, we’ll walk you through the prep steps.
During the procedure, you’ll be awake but relaxed with mild sedation.
A small catheter is inserted—usually in the upper leg—and guided to the arteries around the knee.
Once it’s in place, tiny particles are released to block the blood flow to inflamed tissue.
After the procedure, you’ll rest for a bit and then head home.
Most people feel well enough to get back to normal activities in a day or two.
Pain relief typically starts within 7 to 14 days and may continue to improve over time.
How Orthobiologics Associates Can Help With A GAE Knee Procedure
At Orthobiologics Associates, we specialize in non-surgical solutions for joint pain.
We use treatments like GAE, PRP injections, stem cell therapy, and physical therapy to help you avoid surgery and get back to the life you love.
We take time to understand your specific needs and build a plan that works for you.
If GAE makes sense for your knee pain, we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.
If you’re tired of living with knee pain and want a real alternative to surgery, we’re here to help.
Let’s talk about whether the GAE knee procedure is right for you.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re living with knee pain and want to avoid surgery, the GAE knee procedure could be the right solution for you.
At Orthobiologics Associates, we offer this and other leading-edge treatments to help you feel better and move freely again.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out if GAE is a good fit for your needs.
FAQs: GAE Knee Procedure
Who is a candidate for GAE?
A good candidate for the GAE knee procedure is someone with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who experiences ongoing knee pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments like medications, physical therapy, or injections. It’s also ideal for people who want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery and are looking for a minimally invasive alternative.
What are the side effects of the GAE procedure?
Most people tolerate GAE well, but some mild side effects can include soreness or bruising at the catheter site and a short-term increase in knee discomfort right after the procedure. Rarely, there may be risks like infection or damage to nearby blood vessels, but these complications are uncommon when performed by experienced providers.
How long does a GAE knee procedure last?
The procedure itself usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete. Pain relief typically begins within 7 to 14 days, and the effects can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on the individual. In some cases, the procedure can be repeated if symptoms return.
Is the GAE procedure safe?
Yes, GAE is considered a safe and effective option for many patients. It’s minimally invasive and performed under image guidance by trained specialists. Since it doesn’t involve general anesthesia or major incisions, the risk of complications is much lower than with traditional surgery.
Is genicular artery embolization better than knee replacement?
It depends on your condition and goals. GAE is not a replacement for surgery in severe cases, but it can be a better choice for people with early to moderate osteoarthritis who want to avoid the long recovery and risks of knee replacement. It offers pain relief with less downtime and no hospital stay, making it a strong option for many patients.
What is GAE treatment for knees?
GAE treatment, or Genicular Artery Embolization, is a non-surgical procedure that treats knee pain by blocking certain arteries that feed inflamed areas of the joint. By reducing blood flow to those areas, it helps lower inflammation and ease chronic pain caused by osteoarthritis—often without the need for major surgery.
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