Knee embolization was recommended for my chronic knee pain. Can you tell me more about it?

Knee embolization was recommended for my chronic knee pain. Can you tell me more about it?

by Lisa Conway

Knee embolization is a medical procedure used to block or reduce blood flow to specific areas of the knee, usually for the treatment of certain conditions like knee osteoarthritis, tumors, degenerative disease or vascular malformations. The procedure involves the insertion of a catheter into the blood vessels supplying the affected portion of the knee, that deliver “embolic” agents (materials like particles, coils, or gel) to block these specific vessels. The catheter is inserted through a small puncture in your skin and follows the path of the blood vessel to reach the treatment area. The relatively new procedure is gaining in popularity among patients as a minimally invasive alternative to knee replacement surgery.

According to Dr. Derek Mittleider of Vascular & Embolization Specialists, the procedure is FDA approved and covered by Medicare and most insurances. He states, “knee embolization stops the inflammation that causes pain. The procedure can be done on an outpatient basis and is painless. The patient will typically feel the effects within a week and the pain is typically relieved for a year or more.”

Benefits of Knee Embolization:

• Pain Relief: By reducing blood flow to areas of inflammation or damaged tissue, knee embolization can help alleviate pain, especially in cases of osteoarthritis or similar degenerative joint conditions.
• Reduced Inflammation: Embolization can decrease swelling and inflammation, which in turn can provide long-term relief from chronic knee pain.
• Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional surgery, embolization is minimally invasive and typically requires no incisions. This leads to shorter recovery times and reduced risk of complications.
• Preservation of Knee Function: By addressing the root cause of pain and inflammation without the need for a major surgery, patients may experience improved joint function and mobility.
• Alternative to Surgery: For patients who are not candidates for surgery or prefer to avoid it, knee embolization offers a less invasive option for managing knee conditions. The effects of the treatment will often last a year or longer.

Knee embolization is usually considered when conservative treatments (like medication or physical therapy) have proven ineffective. It’s primarily for people 40-70 with moderate to severe knee pain who need more than basic treatments, but less than a whole new knee.  

Have you got chronic knee pain? Learn more about knee embolization in Viera on Tuesday, January 14 during our monthly Ask the Doctor seminar. Our guest will be Dr. Derek Mittleider of Vascular & Embolization Specialists. RSVP online at www.OneSeniorPlace.com or call 321-751-6771 in Viera. 

Lisa Conway is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Certified Care Manager for Senior Partner Care Services, Viera. Ms. Conway hosts a monthly seminar, ‘Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa.’ One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.