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

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.