If you have osteoarthritis in both knees, as many patients do, a natural question is whether GAE can treat both. The answer is yes, and the clinical data support it.
A June 2026 RSNA study of 194 patients treated with resorbable microspheres found that 45 patients (23%) underwent bilateral GAE, with the second procedure performed within four weeks of the first. All 239 total procedures were technically successful with no moderate or severe adverse events. Only mild, self-limited reactions occurred in 6.7% of the cohort.
Bilateral treatment is typically staged, meaning both knees are not embolized in the same session. Instead, the second knee is treated two to four weeks after the first, allowing the physician to assess the response and adjust the technique if needed. Each procedure follows the same protocol: a 60–90-minute outpatient session under local anesthesia with light sedation, performed through a wrist or groin puncture.
The staging approach also helps patients manage recovery practically, while recovery from each GAE session is minimal (most patients return to activities within two to three days), treating one knee at a time ensures you always have one fully functional leg.
At Surgical Associates, Dr. Albert Chun evaluates patients with bilateral knee OA and develops individualized treatment plans. If both knees are symptomatic, a staged bilateral approach may be recommended based on your imaging and clinical assessment.
Schedule a consultation: Call (240) 427-1630 or visit www.sacmd.com
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
References:
- RSNA. GAE Relieves Knee Osteoarthritis Pain. June 2026.
- Bridging the Gap Meta-Analysis. Academic Radiology. 2025.
- Cusumano LR, et al. GAE 2-Year Outcomes. JVIR. 2024.
