Alternatives to Knee Surgery
Osteoarthritis knee pain can be extremely frustrating, and it can keep you from doing the things you love.
You may consider total knee replacement surgery to alleviate your knee pain.
While this surgery is effective for permanent pain relief—especially for those with debilitating pain who have failed all other treatment alternatives—and are not ready for such a major surgery and are looking for alternatives that can improve their symptoms without the long recovery of replacement.
Below, we cover several treatment alternatives to knee revision surgery when over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories stop working.
Cortisone Injections
Cortisone injections calm your immune system, reducing pain, external swelling, and internal inflammation. Receiving a cortisone shot is a simple procedure that usually takes place in your healthcare provider's office.
During your appointment, your doctor uses a small needle to slowly release hydrocortisone into the painful areas of your knee joint.
Before beginning this or any injectable treatment, you must talk to your doctor about its risks and benefits. This information can help you decide whether cortisone injections are right for you and your unique medical needs.
Alternatives to cortisone injections include over-the-counter pain relievers, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, knee braces, and viscosupplementation.
Synvisc Knee Injections
Synvisc injections are another alternative to knee surgery. These injections contain a gel-like mixture made from a substance called hyaluronan. Hyaluronan occurs naturally in the body and is present in the joint fluid that helps with lubrication.
Georgia Knee Institute does not currently offer this type of injection. Alternatives to Synvisc knee injections include cortisone injections, orthotics, strength training, and over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.
Genicular Artery Embolization
Genicular artery embolization, or GAE, is another viable but longer-lasting knee treatment alternative to knee replacement surgery.
This minimally invasive outpatient procedure does not require general anesthesia, large incisions, or hospitalization. In fact, most patients return home on the same day and return to normal activities the next day.
Knowing what to expect during and after GAE is essential, so consult your doctor or interventional radiologist physician before your procedure. GAE is a two-hour minimally invasive procedure requiring a small catheter, contrast dye, and image-guided X-rays to slow blood flow, reduce inflammation, and ease pain in the affected areas.
Most Georgia Knee Institute patients experience significant pain relief within two weeks of the GAE procedure, with benefits lasting up to one year.
GAE treatments and other alternatives to knee surgery can be repeated without increasing your risk of knee replacement surgery.
Am I a Candidate for Genicular Artery Embolization?
You are considered a good candidate for GAE if you meet the following criteria:
- Aged 40-80 years
- Moderate to severe knee pain
- Resistant/Failed all conservative treatments (e.g., over-the-counter medication, prescription medication, physical therapy, joint injections, etc.)
- X-ray classification showing moderate disease with preservation of at least some joint space (no bone on bone)
Treatment Alternatives to Knee Surgery at Georgia Knee Institute
Our mission is to help those struggling with the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis without invasive surgery.
If you or a loved one is considering total knee replacement, we encourage you to consult one of our board-certified interventional radiologist physicians to determine if alternative therapies are right for you.
The above options can improve your quality of life and get you back to doing what you love—shopping, gardening, walking, or visiting friends and family—without open surgery or lengthy recovery periods.
Call us at 678-915-2000 or book an online appointment with us today.
