When is this considered?
- Persistent osteoarthritis-related knee pain after appropriate non-procedural treatment
- Imaging and clinical findings that support the diagnosis
- A shared decision-making discussion about benefits, uncertainties and alternatives
Assessment comes first
Assessment considers knee examination, weight-bearing radiographs or other imaging, conservative treatment, disease severity and orthopaedic options.
What might treatment involve?
GAE is performed through arterial catheter access with angiographic guidance in a suitable hospital environment. It is not a routine treatment for every painful knee.
What else could help?
Physiotherapy, strength training, weight management where relevant, medicines, joint injections or joint replacement assessment.
Risks and limitations
Access-site bruising, vessel injury, contrast-related complications, skin effects, unintended embolization and lack of pain improvement are possible. Long-term outcome evidence continues to evolve.
Questions patients ask
Is GAE a replacement for knee replacement?
No. It is an option for selected patients and should be compared with appropriate orthopaedic care.
Is GAE suitable for every stage of knee arthritis?
No. Disease severity, symptoms and individual factors affect suitability.
