Genicular Artery Embolization

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a condition where the cushioning cartilage between bones deteriorates, leading to discomfort and joint pain. This wear-and-tear often results in joint inflammation and restricted mobility. The likelihood of developing OA increases if an individual has sustained joint injuries or frequently performs activities that put repetitive stress on a joint. Additional risk factors include excess body weight and advancing age.

Arthritis is a broad term for conditions that cause joint inflammation, resulting in pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is a specific form of arthritis, which is the most prevalent type, stemming from the gradual wear and tear of joint cartilage. There are more than 100 varieties of arthritis, with rheumatoid arthritis being another widespread form. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, affecting joints and occasionally other parts of the body, including various organs.

Osteoarthritis (OA) primarily develops due to prolonged stress on the joints, which leads to the wearing down of cartilage and results in pain. Additional contributors to OA include diseases affecting connective tissue, atypical joint or limb formation, past joint injuries, and genetic predisposition. Inflammation-inducing agents may also contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis progresses through several stages, from nonexistent to severe, classified as follows:

Stage 0 (Normal): The joint appears healthy with no signs of osteoarthritis, and there is no evidence of damage. Individuals do not feel any pain or stiffness in the joint.

Stage 1 (Minor): There is slight wear on the joint and formation of bone spurs, but it typically does not result in pain or discomfort for the patient.

Stage 2 (Mild): There's an increase in bone spur growth and patients may start to notice joint pain and symptoms when active.

Stage 3 (Moderate): Cartilage damage becomes more evident, leading to pain during joint use and stiffness after periods of inactivity.

Stage 4 (Severe): The joint gap narrows as cartilage continues to wear away significantly. Stiffness becomes more pronounced and there's a continuous inflammatory reaction, which results in increased pain during movement.

A variety of treatment strategies exist for managing osteoarthritis, and consulting with your physician is the optimal way to identify the most suitable approach for your condition. Possible treatments range from engaging in physical exercise and achieving weight management to using over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other interventions include therapeutic injections, joint replacement surgery, and less invasive techniques such as Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive technique conducted by specially trained physicians, such as interventional radiologists, typically in an outpatient facility. During the procedure, the physician makes a tiny puncture to access arteries from the top of the leg or at the ankle. Through the catheter, the physician releases tiny particles that obstruct the small blood vessels in the knee's lining. This obstruction diminishes the blood supply to the inflamed regions of the knee, thereby decreasing pain.