GAE for Knee OA: Mixed Evidence and Caution, Plus Head-Trauma CT Advice for Seniors on Anticoagulants
In Dr. Roach’s Q&A, genicular artery embolization (GAE) for knee osteoarthritis shows potential pain relief in some studies but lacks consistent benefit in rigorous sham-controlled trials, making knee replacement a possibly longer-lasting option; the expectation of a year-long rehab after knee surgery is inaccurate, as typical postoperative rehab is about 2–3 months with ongoing home exercise. Separately, for people over 65 on anticoagulants who fall, prompt ER evaluation and brain imaging with a CT scan is recommended to rule out intracranial bleeding, especially with red flags like vomiting, prolonged amnesia, seizures, or skull fracture signs.
