Knee Pain & Osteoarthritis Treatment in Kansas City & Independence, MO

The decision to treat chronic OA-related knee pain with GAE starts with a clinical evaluation and review of imaging. Patients who haven’t improved despite conservative measures — weight loss, physical therapy, NSAIDs like naproxen, and/or knee injections — may be suitable candidates, especially if they aren’t surgical candidates due to comorbidities or simply prefer a non-surgical option.

Recovery time varies by therapy type, but most patients report minimal downtime. We advise avoiding heavy lifting for the first 5 days after treatment; aside from that, you’re free to resume your regular physical activity.

The idea of knee injections followed by knee surgery is daunting for many people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Genicular artery embolization is considered a potential game-changer in knee pain management — a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood supply to certain areas of the knee joint to reduce pain and inflammation. While it isn’t right for everyone, GAE offers a promising option for those looking to avoid more extensive surgery. As with any medical treatment, consult with an interventional radiology specialist to determine if GAE is right for you.

Published clinical studies, including a multicenter randomized sham-controlled trial and multiple prospective cohort studies, have generally found that a majority of patients — commonly cited in the 70–85% range across different studies — experience significant pain improvement after GAE, with gains in standardized function scores like WOMAC and KOOS. Individual results vary based on the severity of your arthritis and overall health, which is why a personalized evaluation matters.

Injections such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid aim to temporarily reduce inflammation or add joint lubrication, but their effects are often short-lived and require repeat treatments. GAE instead targets the abnormal blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) that drives ongoing inflammation at its source, which is why some patients experience longer-lasting relief after a single procedure.

Yes. In addition to treating osteoarthritis-related pain, geniculate artery embolization has also been studied and used to treat recurrent bleeding into the joint (hemarthrosis) and persistent pain following total knee arthroplasty. This is a distinct use case from primary OA treatment, so candidacy should be discussed directly with your interventional radiologist.

GAE has a favorable safety profile in published trials, with most side effects being mild and self-resolving, such as temporary skin discoloration, bruising, or soreness at the puncture site. Serious complications are uncommon. Your care team at MIVA Medical will review your individual risk factors during your consultation.

Research following patients over time has shown that pain relief and functional improvement from GAE can be sustained for a year or more in many patients, with some studies continuing to track longer-term outcomes. As with any osteoarthritis treatment, results can vary, and some patients may benefit from a repeat procedure down the line.

GAE has been studied in peer-reviewed medical literature since the mid-2010s and has grown significantly in adoption since. It’s performed by interventional radiologists at academic medical centers and specialized clinics, including MIVA Medical, and continues to be studied in ongoing clinical trials to further refine patient selection and long-term outcomes.

MIVA Medical performs geniculate (genicular) artery embolization at our Independence, MO clinic, serving patients throughout the greater Kansas City metro. Book a consultation or take our knee pain quiz to see if you’re a candidate.

Coverage for GAE can vary by specific insurance plan and provider. Our team works with you and your insurance company to review coverage details before scheduling your procedure, so there are no surprises.