Transcatheter arterial embolization using imipenem/cilastatin sodium for tendinopathy and enthesopathy refractory to nonsurgical management.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and effects of transcatheter arterial embolization with imipenem/cilastatin sodium (CS) to treat tendinopathy and enthesopathy that are refractory to traditional nonsurgical management.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Transcatheter arterial embolization with imipenem/CS as an embolic agent was performed in seven patients (five men; mean age, 51.7 y) with tendinopathy and enthesopathy (patellar tendinopathy, n = 1; rotator cuff tendinopathy, n = 2; plantar fasciitis, n = 1; lateral epicondylitis, n = 1; iliotibial band syndrome, n = 1; and Achilles insertion tendinopathy, n = 1). All patients had unrelenting pain at the site of tendinopathy and enthesopathy before the procedure. Technical success, adverse events, and changes in visual analog scale (VAS) scores were assessed.

RESULTS

All procedures were technically successful, and no major adverse events developed. Compared with before the procedure, mean VAS scores were significantly decreased at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 4 months after the procedure (72.7 mm±9.9 vs 17.4 mm±18.5, 16.0 mm±18.1, 13.7 mm±7.3, and 9.7 mm±6.8, respectively; all P< .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter arterial embolization with imipenem/CS was feasible and effectively relieved unrelenting pain associated with tendinopathy and enthesopathy.