Chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis affects over 32 million adults in the United States. For patients in Forest Hills, Queens and across Long Island who have exhausted conservative treatments but are not ready for knee replacement surgery, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) represents a breakthrough in pain management. At M&S Vascular and Orthopedic Group P.C., we are among the few practices in Queens and Long Island offering this advanced, minimally invasive procedure.
How GAE Targets the Source of Knee Pain
Osteoarthritis does more than wear down cartilage. Research published in leading radiology journals has shown that the inflamed knee joint develops abnormal new blood vessels, a process called neoangiogenesis. These tiny, fragile vessels supply the inflamed synovial tissue with blood, fueling a cycle of swelling and pain that standard anti-inflammatory medications struggle to break.
GAE works by selectively blocking these abnormal blood vessels. During the procedure, Dr. Amir Salem, our board-certified Interventional Radiologist and Vascular Surgeon, threads a microcatheter through a small puncture in the wrist or groin under real-time fluoroscopic guidance. Once the catheter reaches the genicular arteries feeding the inflamed knee tissue, microscopic particles are released to occlude the abnormal vessels. The healthy blood supply to the knee joint is preserved, while the inflammatory fuel line is shut down.
Who Should Consider GAE?
GAE is designed for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who have not responded adequately to physical therapy, oral pain medications, or corticosteroid injections. It is particularly well suited for patients who want to delay or avoid total knee replacement, those who are not surgical candidates due to other medical conditions, and active individuals in Queens and Long Island who cannot afford the extended recovery time of joint replacement surgery.
Patients with severe bone-on-bone arthritis or significant mechanical instability in the knee may still require surgical intervention. That is why our multidisciplinary approach matters. Dr. Mehran Manouel, our Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine specialist, evaluates the structural condition of the joint, while Dr. Salem assesses the vascular anatomy. Together, they determine whether GAE, surgery, or a combination of therapies is the best path forward.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After
Before the procedure, you will have a consultation that includes a physical exam, imaging review, and discussion of your symptoms and treatment history. Blood work may be ordered to ensure you are a safe candidate for the procedure.
During the procedure, you will receive local anesthesia and light sedation. The entire process typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. Most patients report only mild pressure during catheter navigation and no significant pain.
After the procedure, you can expect to go home the same day. Some patients experience mild soreness or warmth around the knee for a few days, which is a normal response as inflammation subsides. Most patients begin noticing pain improvement within two to four weeks, with continued gains over the following three to six months. Physical therapy is often recommended after GAE to strengthen the muscles supporting the knee and maximize functional gains.
Why Forest Hills and Long Island Patients Choose M&S
Having both an interventional radiologist and an orthopedic surgeon in the same practice means your care is coordinated from the first evaluation through recovery. You do not need separate referrals or appointments at different facilities. Our offices in Forest Hills, Queens and Great Neck, Long Island make advanced vascular and orthopedic care accessible without a trip into Manhattan.
If knee pain is limiting your daily activities, do not settle for temporary fixes. Contact M&S Vascular and Orthopedic Group P.C. at (718) 897-2228 or visit https://www.msorthovasc.com to schedule a consultation and find out if GAE is right for you.