Osteoarthritis of the knee is a chronic condition affecting over 500 million individuals in the U.S. alone. Knee osteoarthritis is the breakdown of cartilage within the knee joint, that leads to pain, swelling, and limited mobility. This condition can negatively impact daily activities, but modern treatments offer relief through a minimally invasive alternative to knee replacement surgery.

What is Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that primarily impacts the cartilage — the smooth tissue at the ends of bones. In the knee, OA develops when cartilage wears down, causing bones to rub together. This results in pain, inflammation, and reduced joint function.

Globally, osteoarthritis affects about 15% of the population over 60 years old, with the knee being one of the most commonly impacted joints. In the U.S., knee osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of disability, particularly among older adults as it significantly impacts mobility and ability to perform daily tasks.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop gradually and worsen over time. Common signs include:

• Knee Pain: Aching or sharp pain, especially during activity or after prolonged rest.
• Stiffness: More noticeable after waking or sitting for extended periods.
• Swelling: Caused by inflammation and fluid accumulation.
• Knee Grinding or Popping: A grinding or popping sensation during movement.

Limited Mobility: Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or kneeling.

Diagnosing Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical evaluations, imaging, and medical history.

• Physical Examination: Doctors assess joint swelling, tenderness, and range of motion.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays reveal joint space narrowing, bone spurs, or other abnormalities. MRI may be used for detailed soft tissue evaluation.
• Lab Tests: Knee joint (synovial) fluid analysis rules out infections or other forms of arthritis.

Genicular Artery Embolization: An Innovative Approach

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is revolutionizing knee osteoarthritis care. This minimally invasive procedure targets the blood vessels causing inflammation in the knee. By reducing abnormal blood flow, GAE decreases pain and improves mobility without requiring surgery.

GAE vs. Cortisone Injections

Both GAE and cortisone aim to relieve pain, but their mechanisms and duration of relief differ:

• Cortisone Injections:
  • Pros: Quick relief; accessible; suitable for early-stage knee osteoarthritis.
  • Cons: Temporary (weeks to months); repeated use can weaken cartilage and joint structure.
• GAE:
  • Pros: Long-lasting relief (up to four years in studies); minimally invasive; no cartilage damage.
  • Cons: Requires specialized expertise; may not be as widely available as cortisone.

GAE vs. Knee Replacement Surgery

For patients with advanced osteoarthritis, GAE offers an alternative to total knee replacement (TKR):

• Total Knee Replacement Surgery:
  • Pros: Effective for end-stage knee osteoarthritis; restores joint function entirely.
  • Cons: Major surgery with a long recovery time; potential risks of infection and prosthetic wear.
• GAE:
  • Pros: Non-surgical; minimal downtime; suitable for moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis.

Cons: Best for patients seeking to delay or avoid surgery; not a permanent solution for end-stage knee osteoarthritis.

Rediscover the joy of mobility with GAE

Ready to explore minimally-invasive solutions like Genicular Artery Embolization? Schedule a consultation with USA Pain Center today. Our expert team specializes in minimally invasive procedures like GAE that reduce knee pain and improve your quality of life.