Risks and Side Effects of GAE

Genicular artery embolization is generally a safe procedure when you have it done by the best GAE specialists in Brooklyn and the Bronx. The experienced pain management physicians at the Astra Knee Pain Center specialize in non-surgical treatment for knee pain. Call the practice to learn more about GAE risks and GAE side effects. Regain your mobility without invasive knee replacement surgery.

What Is Genicular Artery Embolization?

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a non-surgical treatment for knee pain, particularly pain caused by osteoarthritis. It’s an image-guided procedure that’s done by blocking blood flow to the lining of the knee to reduce pain and inflammation. GAE is growing in popularity if you’re looking for an alternative to knee replacement and side effects like the lengthy recovery required after surgery.

Dr. George Bolotin is an interventional radiologist at the Astra Knee Pain Center with extensive experience in treating a wide variety of knee pain conditions.

Dr. Bolotin helps you understand the risks and side effects of GAE and how it compares to other forms of treatment for knee osteoarthritis, such as:

• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections
• Surgery
• PRP and stem cell treatment

What GAE Risks Should I Consider from Knee Pain Doctors?

GAE is an outpatient procedure that’s safe, effective and well tolerated by most people, especially when performed by a knee pain specialist. GAE is a minimally invasive procedure, but it’s not entirely without risks.

Some GAE risks to consider include:

• The risk of developing an infection after GAE is very low, but there’s a small possibility that this could happen.
• Allergic reaction. In rare cases, some have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. This typically involves a mild reaction.
• Puncture site hematoma. After GAE, blood can pool under the skin at the puncture site and form a lump. If this happens, it resolves quickly for most people.
• Nerve injury. The genicular artery lies near nerves. An inexperienced knee pain specialist in Brooklyn could injure a nearby nerve during this procedure.

For the vast majority of people, genicular artery embolization is a safe procedure that relieves knee pain and postpones or prevents knee surgery. When GAE is performed by an experienced knee pain specialist such as Dr. Bolotin, the possibility of experiencing any of these risks is greatly reduced.

What Are Some GAE Side Effects?

GAE side effects are much lower than those from surgical procedures. Side effects that you avoid with GAE typically include lengthy physical therapy, possible addiction to pain medications and little to no relief at all.

Some side effects from GAE that usually are minor and dissipate quickly may include:

• Bruising or redness at the catheter insertion site
• Soreness or discomfort at the injection site
• Minor bleeding
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Skin discoloration
• Temporary numbness or a tingling sensation

For some people, symptoms may seem a bit worse at first, but this usually resolves within a few days. Using ice packs and elevating the leg reduces swelling. If you experience fever, severe pain or any unusual symptoms, get in touch with your knee pain doctor right away.

How Do Knee Pain Doctors in Brooklyn Minimize GAE Risks and GAE Side Effects?

Knee pain specialists in Brooklyn are highly trained in minimizing the risks of GAE and other forms of knee pain procedures starting with strict sterile techniques during all procedures. Detailed post-procedure instructions are given to you after GAE explaining what you can and can’t do such as avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a short period of time. It’s important to follow all instructions provided by your knee pain doctor.

For many people with moderate to severe knee pain, GAE reduces knee pain and restores mobility. If you’re looking for expert knee pain specialists for conditions such as osteoarthritis of the knee, meniscus tear chronic inflammatory knee pain or when conservative measures don’t help contact the Astra Knee Pain Center.

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