New York native Gregory Clary, a 68-year-old middle school bus driver, first noticed significant pain and persistent swelling in his knee last year after Thanksgiving. When over-the-counter remedies and ice failed, he sought relief at a local hospital.
“They drained my knee and told me the cause was gout, which is a form of inflammatory arthritis,” Gregory recalled. “It can cause similar symptoms as osteoarthritis.
But the treatment didn’t last. His knee quickly swelled up and Gregory experienced painful symptoms again. The uncertainty and chronic pain impacted his range of motion and soon threatened his job as a middle school bus driver.
“When I had to go to work with a cane. My manager told me, ‘You can’t drive like this.’”
Gregory spent the next two weeks off from his job trying to find a non-surgical knee treatment that offered quick recovery and little downtime.
“My knee pain was preventing me from going to work.”
Where to Go When Knee Treatment Fails
Frustrated and hesitant to return to the hospital, Gregory’s wife took the search for relief into her own hands.
“My wife asked Amazon’s virtual assistant, Alexa, to find nearby treatment,” Gregory explained. “Alexa pointed me in the direction of USA Vein Clinics, part of a comprehensive network of minimally invasive treatment centers that includes USA Pain Center, which was a couple of blocks from where I lived.”
This simple search led Gregory to Dr. Sanjeev Saxena, an interventional radiologist skilled in treating chronic knee pain at USA Pain Center. The initial appointment was a turning point. Dr. Saxena performed a thorough examination, including X-rays, to find the true cause of the knee’s inflammation.
Understanding Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
After reviewing Gregory’s diagnostic images, Dr. Saxena explained that his persistent knee pain was likely due to inflammation caused by blood flow issues in the knee joint. The doctor then introduced an innovative, minimally invasive treatment: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).
A Breakthrough Treatment for Knee Arthritis and Bone-on-Bone Pain
What GAE Does:
- Targets abnormal blood vessels feeding the inflamed joint lining
- Reduces inflammation and pain
- Helps many patients avoid knee replacement
- Works even for patients with arthritis or “bone-on-bone” degeneration
- Requires no hospital stay
- Has minimal downtime
While the procedure sounded promising, Gregory was extremely nervous.
“I’ve never had a procedure, so I was shaking,” Gregory admitted.
However, the detailed conversation with Dr. Saxena provided the necessary reassurance. Dr. Saxena answered all of Gregory’s questions and told him what to expect after GAE.
“The doctor was really outstanding,” Gregory said. “I felt that after talking with him about the procedure, I decided I was going to do it. I felt like, what do I have to lose?”
With a commitment to ending his pain and getting back to his life, Gregory scheduled his GAE procedure.
Walking Out Unassisted
On the day of the procedure, Gregory followed the pre-procedure instructions, but he admits he was scared as he had never had any surgery or procedure before.
“I was so nervous,” Gregory recalled. “Dr. [Saxena] sat next to me, and he assured me he would be taking good care of me.”
The nurses and staff helped Gregory by explaining exactly what to expect: a pinch and a burn from the local anesthesia before the mild sedation took hold. Soon after, Gregory drifted into sleep.
The procedure was quick and straightforward, followed by 45 minutes of observation in the recovery room. The results were immediate and remarkable.
“I walked in with crutches and was able to walk out unassisted, Gregory said. “In fact, when I woke up after the procedure, I felt so good that I wanted a cup of coffee. I was ready to go home.”
Recovery from GAE
Once home, Gregory spent just two days recovering over the weekend. By Tuesday, he was back driving his bus—without a cane or crutches. He felt he really didn’t have any restrictions after GAE and was able to walk almost immediately. Recovery from GAE is very quick compared to traditional knee surgery. Most patients are able to walk around the house and resume normal activities, but rest is recommended for the first 24 to 48 hours.
At his follow-up appointment two weeks later at the USA Pain Center, Gregory’s joy was apparent.
“I was so happy with my procedure. I was dancing in the reception room and gave everyone a bear hug. I literally felt no pain at all.”
For Gregory, the innovative GAE procedure resolved his knee swelling and inability to walk unassisted, allowing him to quickly resume his normal routine and return to work.
“I would advise anyone—have it done. There’s really nothing to think about. I was able to get back to normal—get back to my life.”
Thinking About Knee Pain Treatment? Start Here.
If you’re living with:
- Knee arthritis
- Bone-on-bone knee pain
- Chronic knee swelling
- Mobility loss
- Pain that has not responded to injections or medications
You may be a candidate for Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).
Walking In With Crutches—Walking Out Without Them