GAE vs. Surgery

You don’t have to wait until you’ve tried everything with no relief before you undergo an innovative new treatment for knee pain. Visit the knee pain specialists in Brooklyn and the Bronx at the Astra Knee Pain Center to learn more about genicular artery embolization. It’s a non-invasive treatment that’s effective for treating arthritis and a host of other knee pain conditions. Call them to see if you qualify.

Is Surgery My Only Option for Knee Pain?

If you’ve been struggling with knee pain from osteoarthritis, an old injury or overuse, knee replacement surgery is not your only treatment choice. Dr. George Bolotin of the Astra Knee Pain Center is a leading knee pain specialist in Brooklyn who offers alternatives to total knee replacement. Dr. Bolotin and his team inform you of non-surgical treatments for a variety of knee joint problems to get you out of the doctor’s office and back to normal life in no time.

A cutting-edge treatment called genicular artery embolization (GAE) offers a faster, less expensive solution for many common knee ailments. During a GAE procedure, blood flow to the inflamed joint is blocked, reducing swelling and pain in a matter of days. If you’re searching for one of the best knee pain doctors in Brooklyn with questions concerning GAE vs. surgery, ask Dr. Bolotin at the Astra Knee Pain Center to determine which treatment will work best for you.

Who Makes a Good Candidate for GAE?

Candidacy for GAE hinges on your overall health, interfering vascular conditions and severity of pain. Instability and locking of the knee, pain from bone grinding and general swelling and stiffness in your knee are all symptoms that can be treated with this alternative to total knee replacement.

You may qualify for GAE if you’re:

• Suffering from moderate to severe knee pain. Knee pain conditions such as chondromalacia patella, patellofemoral syndrome and meniscus tears are treatable with GAE.
• Seeking to avoid surgery. the knee pain doctors in Brooklyn can provide you with a second opinion when your current physician insists that’s your only option.
• Tired of unsuccessful conservative treatments, Physical therapy, steroid injections and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell injections may have been a short-term fix, but they’ve never provided lasting relief.
• Otherwise generally healthy. Ideal candidates are non-smokers between the ages of 40 and 80, with no pre-existing heart conditions or vascular issues.

If you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis, knee bursitis or experiencing chronic inflammatory knee pain and want to avoid the complications and long recovery period associated with surgery, consult one of the top knee pain doctors in Brooklyn and the Bronx at the Astra Knee Pain Center to see if you qualify for GAE.

What Could Disqualify Me From GAE?

When looking at GAE vs. knee surgery, certain health conditions may prevent adequate healing and hinder GAE from being the most effective.

You should not undergo GAE if you’re:

• Suffering from periphery artery disease. Artery and blood vessel issues in the legs can interfere with the embolization’s success.
• Fighting infection. Wait until the body has all its immune resources before undergoing this procedure.
• Certain tools used during embolization are not safe for expectant mothers.
• Diagnosed with a heart condition. Consult with your doctor to ensure there are no cardiovascular issues before opting for GAE.

Risks and side effects of GAE, though minor compared to those of knee surgery, should be taken into consideration when formulating a treatment plan.

What Are Some Disadvantages of Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee surgery comes with higher risks all around, as it’s a more involved procedure. A total knee replacement can be life changing, resulting in greater mobility and lessened pain during daily activities. However, it’s important to weigh the severity of side effects against its success rate to decide if surgery is worth it.

A few disadvantages of surgery include:

• Longer recovery period. Knee replacement surgery can take up to a year to fully heal. Prolonged physical therapy may also be necessary after knee replacement.
• Higher risk of complications. Though a common procedure, any surgery comes with a high set of risks, including blood clots, infections or unexpected damage to surrounding tissue.
• On average, knee replacement surgery can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $75,000.
• Temporary fix. Knee replacements are not permanent fixes as artificial joints may wear and loosen overtime.

GAE serves as an efficient alternative to knee replacement surgery, saving you time, money and comfort.

Advantages of opting for GAE vs. surgery include:

• Shorter recovery period. You see and feel results within one to three weeks following thisoutpatient procedure.
• Lowered risk. The inflamed area is treated directly on a targeted area, making it significantly less complicated than total replacement surgery.
• Less expensive. Genicular artery embolization is significantly cheaper than knee replacement surgery, on average costing between $5,000 and $15,000. If deemed a medical necessity, health insurance companies may provide coverage.
• Long lasting results.Pain and inflammation decrease significantly; reports show that results often last for up to one to four years after this procedure.

If you’re searching for a knee pain doctor in Brooklyn or the Bronx, contact Dr. Bolotin at the Astra Knee Pain Center to see if this alternative to surgery is right for you.

Home → GAE Knee Treatment in Brooklyn → GAE vs. Surgery