Genicular Artery Embolization in Turkey

For some patients, symptoms continue despite physiotherapy, medication, weight management or joint injections, while knee replacement surgery may not yet be appropriate or may not be desired.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a newer minimally invasive interventional radiology procedure being investigated for persistent pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.

At Healing Journey, we are increasingly asked: “Can knee arthritis pain be treated without surgery?” and “What is the genicular artery embolization Turkey price?”

Below is a clear guide to how GAE works and, importantly, who may be appropriate for assessment.

WHAT IS GENICULAR ARTERY EMBOLIZATION (GAE)?

GAE is a minimally invasive image-guided procedure performed by an interventional radiologist.

Knee osteoarthritis can be associated with inflammation of the synovium and development of abnormal small blood vessels around painful areas of the knee.

During GAE, a small catheter is introduced into an artery, commonly through the femoral artery in the groin or radial artery at the wrist, and guided under X-ray imaging towards selected genicular arteries around the knee.

Very small embolic particles are then delivered selectively to abnormal areas of increased blood flow.

The aim is to reduce abnormal vascularity and inflammatory activity associated with osteoarthritis pain.

There is no surgical incision into the knee joint, and the procedure is generally performed as a day-case intervention.

WHO MAY BE SUITABLE FOR GENICULAR ARTERY EMBOLIZATION?

GAE is being investigated particularly for patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and persistent pain despite appropriate conservative treatment.

Potential candidates may include patients who:

• Have chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis
• Continue to have symptoms despite conservative treatment
• Have tried appropriate physiotherapy or medication
• Have had insufficient improvement from selected injection treatments
• Are not currently suitable for knee replacement
• Wish to explore minimally invasive options before major surgery

However, not every painful arthritic knee is suitable for embolization.

The cause and severity of the pain need to be established first.

WHAT SHOULD BE CHECKED BEFORE GAE?

Before considering genicular artery embolization, the knee should undergo appropriate orthopaedic and imaging assessment.

This may include:

• Orthopaedic examination
• Weight-bearing knee X-rays
• MRI when clinically indicated
• Assessment of osteoarthritis severity
• Review of previous injections and treatments
• Assessment for other causes of knee pain

This is important because pain may arise from problems that GAE is not designed to treat, including certain mechanical abnormalities, advanced structural joint damage or other knee pathology.

GAE also does not regenerate cartilage or reverse the structural changes of osteoarthritis. Its proposed role is primarily symptom control.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS GENICULAR ARTERY EMBOLIZATION?

This is where patients need balanced information.

Several observational studies have reported meaningful improvements in pain and function after GAE, and systematic reviews have found encouraging short- and medium-term outcomes. 

However, the evidence is still developing.

Recent analyses of sham-controlled randomized trials have not demonstrated the same magnitude of benefit seen in uncontrolled studies. NICE therefore concluded in its 2026 guidance that evidence for efficacy and long-term safety remains insufficient and recommends that GAE currently be used only in the context of research. 

For this reason, GAE should not be presented as a guaranteed alternative to knee replacement or other established treatments.

Appropriate patient selection is particularly important.

GENICULAR ARTERY EMBOLIZATION IN TURKEY

Turkey has interventional radiology centres with access to modern angiography and embolization techniques.

For international patients, assessment may involve both orthopaedics and interventional radiology so that GAE can be considered alongside other available treatments rather than in isolation.

Depending on the individual knee, alternatives may include:

• Conservative treatment
• Physiotherapy
• Selected knee injections
• Other minimally invasive treatments
• Arthroscopic or corrective procedures in selected conditions
• Partial or total knee replacement when appropriately indicated

The objective is to determine which treatment fits the actual stage and cause of the patient’s knee symptoms.

GENICULAR ARTERY EMBOLIZATION TURKEY PRICE

The cost of GAE in Turkey depends on the individual treatment requirements.

Factors may include:

• One knee or both knees
• Required imaging before treatment
• Angiography and embolization requirements
• Embolic materials
• Interventional radiologist and hospital requirements
• Additional orthopaedic assessment

An accurate treatment plan and price should therefore be prepared after reviewing the patient’s recent weight-bearing knee X-rays, MRI if available, previous treatments and current symptoms.

Healing Journey provides independent medical coordination, including case review, appropriate specialist and hospital selection, treatment planning, medical documentation and continuity of care after returning home.

If you already have recent knee X-rays, MRI scans or orthopaedic reports, these can be reviewed first to determine which treatment options are medically appropriate and whether GAE should be considered.