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.