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Short-term Results of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Chronic Medial Epicondylitis Refractory to Conservative Treatment: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology volume 45, pages 197–204 (2022)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for chronic medial epicondylitis (ME) refractory to conservative treatments.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included ten patients (14 procedures) who underwent TAE between May of 2018 and April of 2020 to treat chronic ME refractory to conservative treatments for at least 3 months. Imipenem/cilastatin sodium was used in 12 procedures, and quick-soluble gelatin sponge particles were used in the ensuing two procedures as an embolic agent. The visual analogue scale (VAS, 0–10) score and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) scores were assessed at baseline and at different post-treatment times (1 day; 1 week; 1, 3, and 6 months; and an open period). The clinical success of the procedure was defined as a decrease of more than 70% in the Quick-DASH scores at 6 months compared to the baseline.

Results

Clinical success was achieved in 12 of 14 procedures (85.7%). No major complications were observed during the follow-up periods. The mean VAS scores were significantly decreased at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months (7.6 at baseline vs. 3.6, 3.6, 3.6, 3, and 0.9 after treatment; all P < .01). The mean Quick-DASH scores at baseline decreased significantly at 1 day, 1 week, and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment (71.9 vs. 48.5, 44, 37.7, 30.2, and 8.4; all P < .01). These improvements endured in nine patients for up to 12 months after treatment.

Conclusion

TAE effectively and safely relieved pain and promoted functional recovery in chronic ME patients refractory to conservative treatments. TAE may be a feasible treatment option for patients with ME intractable to conservative treatments.

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Funding

This study was not supported by any funding.

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Author notes

  1. Jae Hwan Lee and Dong Hyun Kim have equally contributed to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Bundang, Seongnam, Republic of Korea

    Jae Hwan Lee, Won Seok Choi & Chang Jin Yoon

  2. Department of Radiology, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea

    Dong Hyun Kim, Minuk Kim & Young Ho So

  3. Department of Radiology, H Plus Yangji Hospital, Nambusunhwan-ro, Gwanakgu, 1636, Seoul, Republic of Korea

    Sang Hwan Lee

  4. Department of Radiology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea

    Jin Ho Hwang

  5. Department of Radiology, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

    Soo Buem Cho

  6. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea

    Young Jae Kim

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  1. Jae Hwan Lee
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  2. Dong Hyun Kim
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  8. Young Jae Kim
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Correspondence to Sang Hwan Lee.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical Approval

This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board (IRB). For this type of study formal consent is not required.

Informed Consent

This study has obtained IRB approval from H Plus Yangji Clinical Research Center and the need for informed consent was waived.

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Lee, J.H., Kim, D.H., Lee, S.H. et al. Short-term Results of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Chronic Medial Epicondylitis Refractory to Conservative Treatment: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 45, 197–204 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-021-02878-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-021-02878-2

Keyword

  • Medial epicondylitis
  • Embolization
  • Hypervascular staining
  • Elbow pain