Knee Embolization or Surgery?
Genicular artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat chronic knee pain, such as that caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. During the procedure, a small embolic agent is injected into the genicular arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply blood to the knee. The goal of genicular artery embolization is to block the flow of blood to a specific area of the knee, which can help reduce inflammation and swelling and improve pain and function.
Surgery is a more invasive treatment option that may be used to repair or replace damaged joint structures in the knee. There are a wide variety of surgical procedures that may be used to treat knee pain, including arthroscopy, knee replacement, and knee fusion. Surgery may be recommended for individuals with severe knee pain or damage that cannot be managed with non-surgical treatments.
Both genicular artery embolization and surgery can be effective treatments for chronic knee pain, but they are not always appropriate for every individual. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of both options with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.
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References
Here are a few references on genicular artery embolization and surgery for the treatment of chronic knee pain:
- “Embolization of the Genicular Arteries for the Treatment of Chronic Knee Pain: A Review.” by K. E. Foster et al. published in the American Journal of Roentgenology in 2017.
- “Genicular Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.” by K. H. John et al. published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology in 2017.
- “Total Knee Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee.” by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Available online at: https://www.aaos.org/patient-care/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/knee-osteoarthritis/treatments/total-knee-arthroplasty.
These articles provide an overview of the effectiveness and safety of genicular artery embolization and surgery for the treatment of chronic knee pain. They can be a useful starting point for learning more about the relative benefits and drawbacks of these treatment options.
