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Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Pain
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Jan 8 2:27pm | Replies (57)Comment receiving replies
It’s actually a procedure that started in Japan in the early 2000s. My understanding is insurance coverage varies from state to state. I actually qualified for, and participated in a study my physical therapist told me about at UCLA; the interventional radiologist who is the principal investigator on the study gave a presentation as he was enrolling 100 patients. I met with him and his research team in May and completed their questionnaire and x-rays. I’m #77 of 100 qualified participants. I’ll be followed for two years. The purpose of the study is to get the FDA approval for insurers to have to cover it. Now, as noted above, I think it depends on the state and insurer. Four weeks out and my left knee feels great. The interventional radiologist that did mine has done over 300. I told a friend in NY who has been getting injections, and she asked her Ortho about GAE and he referred her to an interventional radiologist. Hope this helps.
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@zephyr2309
I was in the study but when told I was in the 2nd group and would not have the procedure for many months, I went to another radiologist for a consultation, who told me to 'go to a surgeon'. (he wouldn't do the GAE). I was in steady constant pain and could not walk much at all. Soooooooo, I dropped out of the study and had the TKR. I only hope I made the right decision. The decision at THAT time seemed right. I am now 9 months post surgery. I'm still confused, and also confused and often frustrated that I didn't have the nano knee surgery. That consultation did not address the knock knee position due to lack of cartilage (I think) and a friend's son who is head of ER dept at a local hospital recommended the surgeon. I go to zumba most every day, and now the left knee is hurting. I am freaking out!!!! I have appointment at a pain clinic (shoulders, rotator cuffs, and biceps tendonitis issues) also. Gosh, I do NOT want to go through another SURGERY! I will be calling Dr. Padia at UCLA soon. note: the consultation for nano knee told me $8,500. that was scary. But there are still parts of me regretting I didn't go that route.
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Thank you so much for the information, I actually saw a youtube video about the study, that's where I first found out about GAE. I am so glad it has helped you and look forward to getting the procedure for myself. From what I remember from the video, your procedure can last up to 5 years and you can have it done again. This is very promising! Thanks again!