Genicular artery embolisation (GAE) targets abnormal small blood vessels around an osteoarthritic knee that are associated with pain and inflammation. It is a day-case catheter procedure, usually performed under sedation.
In knee osteoarthritis, the body grows clusters of abnormal new blood vessels around the joint. Alongside them grow new nerve endings, and together they sustain inflammation and pain. This is why some knees stay painful for years despite physiotherapy, medication and injections.
Embolisation reduces these abnormal small blood vessels around the painful part of the knee. Through a small image-guided arterial puncture, a microcatheter is guided to the genicular arteries and tiny particles are delivered to the abnormal vessel clusters. Normal vessels are spared. As the abnormal vascularity reduces, inflammation and pain signalling may also decrease. The same principle applied to tendons and other joints is called transarterial micro-embolisation (TAME).
Your imaging and previous treatments are reviewed to confirm the pain pattern fits and embolisation is likely to help.
Under sedation, through a small arterial puncture. Contrast imaging maps the abnormal vessels in real time before they are treated.
You'll be walking before discharge. Mild ache or skin mottling near the treated area for a few days is common and settles.
Pain typically improves over two to six weeks. You continue physiotherapy to convert pain relief into strength and function.
GAE is a newer treatment supported by a growing body of international trials: the majority of well-selected patients experience meaningful pain reduction lasting one to several years, and the procedure can be repeated. It does not regrow cartilage and it is not a substitute for joint replacement in end-stage arthritis. It's a way to control pain and stay active in the years before (or instead of) surgery.
Risks are low: temporary skin discolouration or numbness, a small bruise at the puncture site, and an ache for a few days are the common ones. Around one in five patients may obtain less relief than hoped, so symptom pattern, imaging and previous treatment are reviewed carefully before treatment.
No, if your arthritis is end-stage, replacement remains the definitive treatment. GAE suits the long middle phase: real pain, but not ready (or not able) to have a joint replaced. It never burns bridges; replacement remains fully available afterwards.
Published studies report benefit commonly lasting one to four years, and the procedure can be repeated. Individual results vary and should be interpreted in the context of your imaging and symptoms.
The procedure itself is done under sedation and is well tolerated. Some patients have a temporary flare of ache for a few days afterwards before the improvement begins.
A short explainer on genicular (knee) artery embolisation from Dr Chris Rogan, an Australian interventional radiologist.
Watch on YouTube ↗Genicular artery embolisation is an emerging treatment; the evidence base is early but growing.
Selected sources supporting the information on this page. General information only, not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Reviewed by Dr Gregory Tarr; last reviewed September 2026.