Chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or exercising difficult. Many patients exploring treatment want alternatives to major surgery, leading to an increased interest in minimally invasive procedures. Two non-surgical knee treatments that are often compared are genicular artery embolization vs. stem cell therapy.

While both treatments aim to reduce knee pain and improve joint function, they work in very different ways. Understanding the difference between GAE vs. stem cell therapy can help patients make informed decisions about their care.

What Is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that treats knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. The procedure targets abnormal blood vessels that contribute to inflammation around the knee joint.

During the procedure:

• The specialists insert a small catheter into an artery through a tiny incision.
• Using advanced imaging guidance, a specialist navigates a catheter to the genicular arteries, which supply blood to the knee.
• Tiny embolic particles are released to reduce blood flow to the inflamed tissue.

Reducing this abnormal blood flow helps decrease inflammation and relieve pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. GAE is typically performed on an outpatient basis and does not require large incisions or joint replacement surgery.

What Is Stem Cell Therapy for the Knees?

Stem cell therapy for knees involves injecting stem cells into the knee joint to support tissue repair and reduce inflammation. Stem cells are unique since they can naturally develop into different types of cells.

In stem cell knee therapy, stem cells can be collected from the patient’s bone marrow or fat tissue before being injected into the affected knee.

In stem cell knee therapy, stem cells must first be harvested from the patient’s own body. This typically involves a bone marrow aspiration, where a specialist uses a needle to remove marrow from the hip bone, or adipose tissue extraction (liposuction) to collect cells from fat tissue. Once collected, the sample is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the stem cells before they are injected into the affected knee.

Stem cell therapy aims to:

• Promote cartilage repair
• Reduce inflammation in the joint
• Improve joint function and mobility

Since stem cells have regenerative potential, using stem cell therapy for the knees has gained attention as a possible treatment for osteoarthritis and other joint conditions. However, research on the long-term side effects of stem cell therapy continues to evolve.

Difference Between GAE and Stem Cell Therapy

When comparing genicular artery embolization vs. stem cell therapy, the main difference lies in how each treatment targets knee pain and provides relief.

These differences include:

• Addressing inflamed tissue: GAE reduces blood flow to the inflamed tissues surrounding the knee joint, while stem cell therapy introduces regenerative cells into the knee to promote tissue repair.
• The procedure: GAE is performed using a catheter inserted into the artery, allowing specialists to treat the affected blood vessels directly. Stem cell therapy involves a bone marrow aspiration, where a specialist uses a needle to remove marrow from the hip bone, or adipose tissue extraction (liposuction) to collect cells from fat tissue. Once collected, the sample is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the stem cells before they are injected into the affected knee.

Both GAE and stem cell knee therapy are considered minimally invasive in comparison to surgery, but they use different techniques and have distinct treatment goals.

Stem Cell Therapy Side Effects

Before considering stem cell therapy for the knees, patients should understand the potential stem cell therapy side effects and associated risks.

Possible side effects include:

• The harvesting site might be sore and become infected.
• Pain or swelling at the injection site
• Infection following the injection
• Temporary joint stiffness
• Limited or inconsistent symptom improvement

Some patients also have concerns about the long-term side effects of stem cell therapy. Because stem cell treatments are still being studied, long-term outcomes may vary depending on the technique used and the patient’s individual health condition.

For this reason, patients should discuss potential benefits and risks with qualified specialists before pursuing treatment.

What Is Better: GAE vs. Stem Cell Therapy?

Ultimately, when deciding between genicular artery embolization vs. stem cell therapy, the best treatment depends on the cause of knee pain, the severity of osteoarthritis, and the patient’s treatment goals.

GAE may be recommended for patients who have chronic knee pain related to inflammation from osteoarthritis and who are seeking a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.

Stem cell therapy for the knees tends to work better for patients interested in regenerative approaches to repair damaged tissues.

Because every patient’s condition is unique, a comprehensive evaluation by a medical specialist is the best way to determine the most appropriate treatment when deciding between GAE vs. stem cell therapy. 

Finding the Right Treatment for Knee Pain

Knee pain caused by osteoarthritis can worsen over time if left untreated. Early evaluation and proper diagnosis can help patients explore treatment options before symptoms worsen.

Our specialists at USA Pain Center work with patients to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of their knee pain. For anyone experiencing persistent knee pain, procedures such as genicular artery embolization may offer a minimally invasive path to relief.

If you are dealing with knee pain that interferes with your daily life, speaking with a specialist may help you better understand your treatment options.

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FAQs about GAE vs. Stem cell therapy

What is better than stem cell therapy?

No treatment is inherently better than the other, as it depends on the patient and their symptoms. The most effective option depends on what’s causing the knee pain, the condition’s severity, and the patient’s overall health. 

How long does GAE treatment last?

How long GAE treatment lasts varies by patient. Many people experience significant improvement in knee pain for months or longer following the procedure, particularly when the pain is related to osteoarthritis.

Can stem cell therapy replace knee replacement?

Stem cell therapy cannot always replace knee replacement surgery, especially in cases of advanced joint damage requiring surgical intervention. A medical evaluation can help determine the most appropriate treatment option.