Joint Embolization for Chronic Joint Pain in Queens & Long Island
Minimally invasive arterial embolization for chronic joint pain across the body — knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, and thumb. Outpatient, no open surgery, same-day discharge.
Why Embolization?
Written by Practice Editorial Team · Medically reviewed by Amir Salem, MD, Vascular & Interventional Radiologist · Last updated April 26, 2026
What is Joint Embolization?
Joint embolization is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist that treats chronic joint pain caused by inflammation. A thin catheter is guided through a small wrist or groin puncture into the small branch arteries supplying the inflamed joint. Tiny embolic particles reduce abnormal blood flow, decreasing pain and improving function. The same approach is used across multiple joints — knee (GAE), shoulder (SAE), hip, elbow, thumb, and finger joints — tailored to each anatomy. Performed under conscious sedation. Outpatient, same-day discharge, return to light activity within days. An alternative or bridge to joint replacement surgery for appropriately selected patients.
Joint embolization may be right for you if you:
- Have chronic joint pain from osteoarthritis, inflammation, or tendinopathy
- Have not responded adequately to physical therapy, NSAIDs, or joint injections
- Want to avoid or delay joint replacement surgery
- Prefer an outpatient procedure with no general anesthesia
- Are a poor surgical candidate due to age, anticoagulation, or other conditions
What Is Joint Embolization?
Chronic joint pain from osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthropathy, and tendinopathy is driven in part by a process called pathological neovascularization — the growth of abnormal, excessive blood vessels into the inflamed joint tissue. These new vessels deliver pain signals and inflammatory mediators, perpetuating a cycle of pain and swelling that does not fully respond to conservative treatments.
Joint embolization interrupts that cycle at the vascular level. Using real-time X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), an interventional radiologist navigates a microcatheter through the radial artery in the wrist or the femoral artery in the groin, threading it selectively into the tiny arteries supplying the inflamed joint. Calibrated embolic microspheres are then deployed, reducing blood flow to the abnormal tissue. As the pathological vascularity resolves, pain decreases and joint function can improve — without altering bone or cartilage, without general anesthesia, and without a hospital stay.
At M&S Vascular, joint embolization is performed by Dr. Amir Salem, our board-certified interventional radiologist with subspecialty training in vascular and musculoskeletal embolization.
Joints We Treat
We evaluate each patient individually. The appropriate joint, approach, and expected outcome varies based on which joint is affected, the severity of inflammation, and your prior treatment history. Below is our current scope of practice.
Knee
Most establishedGenicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
GAE targets the genicular arteries supplying the inflamed knee joint capsule. The most studied form of musculoskeletal embolization with multiple published clinical trials.
- •Knee osteoarthritis
- •Chronic knee inflammation
Shoulder
Emerging evidenceShoulder Artery Embolization (SAE)
SAE addresses frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) and shoulder osteoarthritis by reducing blood flow to the hyper-vascularized, inflamed shoulder joint capsule.
- •Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- •Shoulder osteoarthritis
- •Rotator cuff arthropathy
Hip
Consultation onlyHip Embolization
Hip joint embolization for hip osteoarthritis is an emerging application. We evaluate hip embolization candidates on a case-by-case basis based on anatomy, severity, and prior treatment history.
- •Hip osteoarthritis
Elbow
Consultation onlyElbow Embolization
Arterial embolization for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow) is an evolving treatment for chronic tendinopathy unresponsive to conservative care.
- •Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- •Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
Thumb & Finger
Consultation onlyThumb / Finger Joint Embolization
Embolization for thumb CMC arthritis and finger (PIP) joint arthritis is an early-stage application. Suitable for carefully selected patients with advanced joint inflammation.
- •Thumb CMC arthritis
- •Finger PIP joint arthritis
How Joint Embolization Works
1Imaging evaluation and treatment planning
Every joint embolization begins with dedicated cross-sectional imaging — typically MRI of the affected joint to assess inflammation, cartilage damage, and anatomy, paired with CT angiography or MR angiography to map the local vascular supply. This planning step is critical: the blood vessel anatomy supplying each joint is unique to each patient, and precise mapping allows us to perform the embolization selectively, protecting surrounding structures. Your full clinical history, prior treatments, and functional goals are reviewed at the same appointment.
2Catheter access and selective embolization
On procedure day, you receive conscious sedation — comfortable and lightly sedated, no general anesthesia required. A microcatheter is introduced through a small puncture at the wrist (radial artery) or groin (femoral artery) and advanced under continuous fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance through the arterial system to the target joint. Once positioned with precision in the branch arteries supplying the inflamed tissue, calibrated embolic microspheres are deployed. The procedure is tailored to the specific joint being treated — the approach for the knee is different from the elbow, which differs again from the shoulder. The entire procedure is performed through a pinhole-sized puncture — no surgical incisions, no stitches.
3Recovery and monitoring
After the procedure, you spend a few hours in our recovery suite while the sedation clears. Most patients go home the same afternoon with a responsible adult driver. A small adhesive bandage covers the access site — no stitches required. We provide written discharge instructions and a direct line to our clinical team. A follow-up call is scheduled the next business day to check in, and a clinical follow-up appointment is arranged at 4–6 weeks to assess your response.
Who Is a Candidate for Joint Embolization?
The ideal joint embolization patient has tried conservative options — physical therapy, NSAIDs, injections — without adequate relief, and wants an alternative to joint replacement surgery. Imaging must confirm the presence of inflammatory pathology appropriate for embolization. Specific criteria vary by joint.
Typical good-fit candidates
- ✓Chronic joint pain from moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis
- ✓Tendinopathy (elbow, shoulder) unresponsive to conservative care
- ✓Failed physical therapy, NSAIDs, and injections
- ✓Want to avoid or delay joint replacement surgery
- ✓Poor surgical candidates (anticoagulation, significant comorbidities)
- ✓Imaging-confirmed inflammatory vascularity
Not ideal for
- –Active infection in or around the affected joint
- –Joint pathology requiring surgical structural repair
- –Severe arterial occlusive disease in catheter access vessels
- –Conditions requiring immediate surgical intervention
Not sure which joint embolization is right for you?
Request a consultation — we'll evaluate your specific jointWhat to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure
In our practice, we perform joint embolization under conscious sedation in a fully accredited outpatient suite at our Great Neck location. You'll arrive approximately one hour before the scheduled start time to complete check-in and have an IV placed. Our nursing team reviews your allergies, medications, and any questions before Dr. Salem begins.
Procedure duration varies by joint and arterial anatomy. After the embolization is complete, you move to our recovery area where we monitor your vital signs and manage any discomfort. Most patients go home the same afternoon. We provide a direct contact number and clear written discharge instructions before you leave.
We ask that a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you the first night. A follow-up call is placed the next business day, and a clinical appointment is scheduled at 4–6 weeks to assess your response and plan any additional physical therapy or care.
Recovery & Results
- Day 1Same-day discharge. Mild soreness at the catheter access site (wrist or groin) is normal. Rest at home with ice packs to the access site if sore.
- Days 2–7Resume light activity. Some temporary joint discomfort is expected as inflammation responds to the procedure. Prescribed analgesics and anti-inflammatories as directed.
- Weeks 2–4Most patients return to normal daily activities. Physical therapy may be initiated to capitalize on reduced inflammation.
- 1–3 monthsMost patients see meaningful improvement in joint pain and function. Continued improvement occurs as inflammatory vascularity resolves.
- Beyond 3 monthsDurability of benefit varies by joint and individual patient. Long-term outcomes are still being studied across joint sites. Follow-up imaging may be arranged.
Recovery timelines are approximate and vary by joint and individual. Your care team will provide personalized guidance.
Risks and Alternatives
We believe informed patients make better decisions. Here is an honest comparison of joint embolization against the main alternatives for chronic joint pain.
| Treatment | Type | Anesthesia | Hospital Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joint embolization (this procedure) | Minimally invasive, catheter-based | Conscious sedation | Same-day outpatient |
| Joint replacement surgery | Major surgery — implant | General or spinal | 1–4 night hospital stay |
| Corticosteroid / PRP injections | Guided injection | Local | None |
| Physical therapy | Conservative rehabilitation | None | None |
| NSAIDs / oral medications | Medical management | None | None |
Known risks of joint embolization
- •Minor bruising or soreness at the catheter access site (wrist or groin)
- •Temporary joint discomfort or swelling in the first days post-procedure
- •Post-embolization syndrome: low-grade fever, fatigue, localized discomfort (self-limited)
- •Rare: skin changes from inadvertent superficial vessel embolization near the treated joint
For the full risk-benefit discussion for your specific joint, schedule a consultation with Dr. Salem. This list is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.
Why Choose M&S Vascular for Joint Embolization
Your Interventional Radiologist
Amir Salem, MD
Board-certified interventional radiologist with subspecialty training in vascular and musculoskeletal embolization procedures. Dr. Salem evaluates and performs joint embolization across multiple joint sites, tailoring the approach to each patient's anatomy and clinical picture. Member, Society of Interventional Radiology.
Two convenient locations
Forest Hills, Queens and Great Neck, Long Island — serving patients from across the NYC metro area.
AAAHC-accredited outpatient suite
Procedures performed in a fully accredited ambulatory setting.
Fast response
We respond to consultation requests within 5 minutes during business hours.
Insurance accepted
Most major plans accepted. View accepted insurances →
What patients say
“I had knee pain for years and my orthopedist said I needed a replacement. Dr. Salem reviewed my imaging and explained how GAE might help first. Six months later I cancelled the surgery.”
“I came in with a frozen shoulder that had me unable to dress myself. The team explained the procedure clearly and within two months I had motion back that I thought was gone forever.”
“My elbow pain from tennis elbow had lasted over two years. Nothing worked. The embolization was the first thing that actually made a difference.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Which joints can be treated with arterial embolization?
Arterial embolization has been studied and applied across multiple joints. The most established application is the knee (genicular artery embolization / GAE). Shoulder embolization (SAE) for frozen shoulder and shoulder osteoarthritis is an active area of clinical investigation. Embolization for hip, elbow (lateral and medial epicondylitis), and thumb/finger joint arthritis is performed on a case-by-case basis depending on anatomy, severity, and prior treatment history. A consultation with Dr. Salem will determine which joints and which approach are appropriate for your situation.
Is joint embolization considered experimental?
The answer depends on the joint. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) for knee osteoarthritis has a growing body of clinical trial data supporting its use. Shoulder embolization (SAE) has emerging evidence from smaller studies. Embolization for hip, elbow, and small finger joints is more investigational. All patients should discuss the evidence base, expected outcomes, and alternatives with their physician before proceeding. We are transparent about what is well-studied versus what is evolving.
Is joint embolization covered by insurance?
Coverage varies significantly by joint, payer, and plan. GAE for knee OA has some coverage from select insurers; other joint sites are less established. Our team will verify your specific benefits and work to obtain pre-authorization where applicable. We also discuss self-pay and financing options.
How is joint embolization different from joint replacement surgery?
Joint replacement is a major surgical procedure that removes damaged cartilage and bone and replaces them with metal and plastic implants, requiring general anesthesia, a hospital stay, and months of rehabilitation. Joint embolization is non-surgical: a thin catheter delivers tiny embolic particles into the small blood vessels supplying the inflamed joint, reducing inflammation and pain — without removing or altering bone and joint structures. No general anesthesia, same-day discharge, return to light activity within days.
Will joint embolization affect my ability to have joint replacement later?
Joint embolization does not alter the bony anatomy of the joint and does not preclude future joint replacement surgery if needed. It is designed as an alternative or bridge procedure.
Who is a candidate for joint embolization?
Typical candidates are adults with chronic joint pain from moderate to severe osteoarthritis or tendinopathy who have not responded adequately to physical therapy, NSAIDs, or joint injections (steroid, hyaluronic acid, PRP), and who want to avoid or delay joint replacement. Specific candidacy criteria vary by joint. A consultation including imaging review is required to assess each patient individually.
What are the risks of joint embolization?
Joint embolization is generally well tolerated. Risks include minor bruising or soreness at the catheter access site, temporary joint discomfort or swelling after the procedure, and rarely, skin changes from inadvertent superficial vessel embolization near the treated joint. Serious complications are uncommon. Your interventional radiologist will review all risks specific to your anatomy and the joint being treated during your consultation.
Where is joint embolization performed in Long Island and Queens?
Joint embolization at M&S Vascular is performed at our Great Neck, Long Island location in a fully accredited outpatient suite. We serve patients from across Long Island, Queens, and the broader NYC metro area including Forest Hills, Bayside, Flushing, Astoria, and Manhasset.
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