Understanding the treatment
Genicular artery embolization targets selected small arteries associated with inflamed tissue around an arthritic knee. It aims to reduce symptoms. It does not rebuild cartilage or correct the mechanical changes of advanced osteoarthritis. Sources and further reading
Is it appropriate for me?
What the assessment considers
Assessment reviews the diagnosis, pain pattern, walking limitations, imaging and previous nonsurgical treatment. Other causes of knee pain and the possible role of joint replacement assessment must be considered.
When another approach may be better
This procedure should not be presented as an equivalent replacement for knee surgery. Exercise-based care, medicines, injections and orthopaedic assessment remain relevant. The strength and applicability of the evidence need a specific discussion.
Share your symptoms and existing reports so the next step can be considered in context. Sending records does not commit you to a procedure.
Send imaging for reviewOptions and expected benefit
Pain scores, function and duration of benefit are distinct outcomes. Results cannot be guaranteed and long-term uncertainty matters. NICE’s UK guidance and newer professional statements should be considered in their own clinical and geographic context.
Options to discuss
- Exercise and other nonsurgical care
- Genicular artery embolization
- Joint replacement assessment
Tailored exercise, weight management when relevant, pain medicines or injections where suitable, and joint replacement assessment for severe disease.
The relevant comparison depends on your diagnosis and goals. A smaller access puncture does not, by itself, establish which treatment is best for you.
Evidence and uncertainty
NICE considers the evidence on benefit and long-term safety insufficient and recommends this procedure only in a research setting in the UK. Any proposal here needs an individual discussion of this uncertainty.
Read the guidance and its contextPreparing for assessment
Send existing records if you have them. You do not need to arrange a new scan simply to start an enquiry; the team can explain what further assessment may be needed.
- Weight-bearing knee X-ray
- Knee MRI, if available
- Record of injections and physiotherapy
- Current medication, including anticoagulants
Include previous procedures, relevant medical conditions, allergies and your current medicines. Tell the team about blood-thinning medicines and any possibility of pregnancy. Do not stop medication or change eating and drinking instructions based on a website: obtain your individual preparation plan.
How the procedure works
Plan the procedure
The team reviews the diagnosis, imaging and treatment goals, explains alternatives and agrees the proposed technique with you.
Image-guided access
Imaging guides a catheter or needle to the selected treatment area. Local anaesthesia and any additional pain relief or sedation are discussed beforehand.
Treat the selected target
Catheter targets abnormal vascularity. The technique and materials depend on the treatment plan and imaging findings.
Observation and discharge planning
The team monitors recovery and decides when discharge is appropriate. You receive individual instructions for pain relief, activity and follow-up.
Before consent, discuss the proposed technique, pain relief, material or device choices, possible complications and what happens if the planned procedure cannot be completed.
Recovery and follow-up
Follow-up should assess both pain and everyday function rather than imaging alone. A plan for ongoing rehabilitation and alternative treatment is important if symptoms persist or recur. New skin or circulation symptoms need clinical assessment.
Before discharge, ask for written instructions, a contact route and a follow-up plan. Return to work, exercise and travel should be agreed for your circumstances. Patients travelling to İzmir should plan enough time for assessment and recovery before booking fixed return arrangements.
Planning assessment and travel from abroadRisks and when to seek help
Bruising, bleeding, altered skin sensation or unintended blockage of a normal vessel can occur. Long-term safety and benefit remain uncertain.
Ask the treating team to explain which symptoms are expected and which need urgent assessment after your particular procedure. Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, heavy bleeding, chest pain or difficulty breathing require urgent medical help. Do not wait for a website review or a WhatsApp reply in an emergency.
Your consent discussion and discharge instructions take precedence over this general information.
Approach to treatment decisions
Symptoms, imaging, alternatives and your priorities all matter. An assessment may lead to observation, further tests, another specialist opinion or a discussion of treatment.
How I decide whether a procedure is appropriate
Symptoms, imaging, the evidence and your priorities all inform the recommendation. My decision framework explains how I consider these together, including when observation or another treatment may be more appropriate.
See my approach to treatment decisionsQuestions patients ask
How is suitability assessed?
Assessment reviews the diagnosis, pain pattern, walking limitations, imaging and previous nonsurgical treatment. Other causes of knee pain and the possible role of joint replacement assessment must be considered.
When might a procedure be unnecessary?
This procedure should not be presented as an equivalent replacement for knee surgery. Exercise-based care, medicines, injections and orthopaedic assessment remain relevant. The strength and applicability of the evidence need a specific discussion.
What benefit can I realistically expect?
Pain scores, function and duration of benefit are distinct outcomes. Results cannot be guaranteed and long-term uncertainty matters. NICE’s UK guidance and newer professional statements should be considered in their own clinical and geographic context.
What does follow-up involve?
Follow-up should assess both pain and everyday function rather than imaging alone. A plan for ongoing rehabilitation and alternative treatment is important if symptoms persist or recur. New skin or circulation symptoms need clinical assessment.
What records should I send?
Weight-bearing knee X-ray; Knee MRI, if available; Record of injections and physiotherapy; Current medication, including anticoagulants. Send existing records first; further tests can be discussed after review.
Does this procedure rebuild cartilage?
No. It targets selected vessels associated with inflamed tissue and aims to improve symptoms. It does not restore worn cartilage or correct the mechanical changes of osteoarthritis.
Is this an established substitute for knee replacement?
It should not be presented that way. Suitability, the evolving evidence and nonsurgical or surgical alternatives require individual discussion. Orthopaedic assessment remains relevant when indicated.
Does sending records commit me to treatment?
No. Reviewing records may lead to further assessment, observation or another specialist opinion. Any procedure requires a separate discussion and informed consent.
Expertise and sources
Responsible physician: Mehmet Hakan Pıçak, MD, interventional radiologist in İzmir, Türkiye.
The responsible physician identifies the practice specialist. It does not, by itself, certify medical review of this text. A medical-review date is shown only when a documented review matches this content version.
- SIR: Position statement on genicular artery embolization (2026)
- NICE: additional clinical information
Sources provide background; an overseas guideline is not a statement of local regulation. This page is general information and cannot determine your diagnosis or suitability.
Understanding the cost
Request a written estimate after your records have been assessed. Ask what is included for the procedure, materials, hospital care and follow-up, and which additional tests or treatments would be separate.
Contact the practice about an estimate