Overview
Embolization is a catheter-based, outpatient procedure. A very thin tube is placed at the wrist or groin and guided with X-ray to the small arteries around a painful joint, where tiny particles are released to slow abnormal blood flow linked with inflammation and pain. Nothing is placed in the joint, and there is no cut into the joint.
It may be an option for people with long-lasting knee, shoulder or hip pain who want to avoid or delay surgery, or who are not candidates for it. It does not repair cartilage or reverse arthritis, and results vary from person to person.
GSMC providers select patients and complete the evaluation and workup at any of our 7 offices. When embolization may fit, the procedure is performed by Dr. Douglas Gibbens, an interventional radiologist who works with our team, at Manchester Surgery Center (1100 Route 70 West, Whiting) or Bey Lea Surgery Center (54 Bey Lea Road, Building 2, Toms River).
Procedures
Knee embolization (GAE)
A catheter-based option that may ease knee arthritis pain for some people who want to avoid or delay knee replacement, or who are not candidates for it.
Shoulder embolization
A catheter-based option that may ease pain from frozen shoulder and some long-lasting shoulder pain when therapy and injections have not helped enough.
Hip embolization
A newer catheter-based option that may ease hip arthritis pain for some people who want to avoid or delay hip replacement, or who are not candidates for it.
Patient brochures (print-ready PDFs)
Each brochure is 4 pages. Choose Print at home/office (Letter) for a regular printer, or Print shop (with bleed) to send to a professional printer.
- Knee embolization (GAE)Print at home/office (Letter)Print shop (with bleed)Web version
- Shoulder embolizationPrint at home/office (Letter)Print shop (with bleed)Web version
- Hip embolizationPrint at home/office (Letter)Print shop (with bleed)Web version
Insurance
Coverage for embolization varies. Many insurers consider genicular artery embolization, and embolization for the shoulder or hip, investigational, so it may not be covered. Our team will check your plan and talk with you about costs before anything is scheduled.
Learn more
Request a consultation
Consultations are available at all 7 GSMC offices. Bring a list of your medicines and any recent X-rays or MRI reports.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary, and no outcome can be promised. Insurance coverage varies.