Clinical Outcomes of Shoulder Artery Embolization for Adhesive Capsulitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for adhesive capsulitis (AC) resistant to conventional treatments.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis performed between January 2015 and December 2024. TAE was performed with a suspension of imipenem/cilastatin sodium in contrast agent. Subjects were assessed before, 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure using the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and the joint balance of Constant-Murley score (CMS). Demographic variables, risk factors, technical aspects and adverse events were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The study included 128 TAE procedures in 118 patients with AC. 84/118 [71.7%] women; mean age 52.4 ± 8.7 years old. One patient was lost to follow-up. Six months after TAE, significant improvements were observed in terms of pain reduction 7.8 vs. 2.2, P < .001 and regarding mobility in flexion and abduction, respectively (90.1° vs. 143.3°, P < .001; 79.6° vs. 128.8°, P < .001). No major adverse events occurred. Clinical improvement was documented in 115/128 (89.8%) at 12-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

TAE achieved pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with adhesive capsulitis refractory to conservative treatments.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, Case Series.