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. 2024 Feb 28;97(1155):544-548.
doi: 10.1093/bjr/tqae012.

Early outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization using imipenem/cilastatin for plantar fasciitis refractory to conservative therapy

Rozil Gandhi  1   2 , Mohal Banker  1   3
Affiliations

Early outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization using imipenem/cilastatin for plantar fasciitis refractory to conservative therapy

Rozil Gandhi et al. Br J Radiol. .

Abstract

Objective: The conservative therapy for chronic plantar fasciitis works for a few patients, while surgical options have drawbacks. Before considering surgical options, transcatheter arterial embolization may help patients with plantar fasciitis who are experiencing discomfort resistant to conservative treatment.

Methods: We report evaluation data of 10 patients treated with transcatheter arterial embolization using imipenem/cilastatin as embolic agents to relieve chronic pain due to plantar fasciitis. All the patients were refractory to conservative therapy.

Results: The technical success of the procedure was found to be 100%. Further, effective pain relief was observed as there was no pain relapse in 6 months, and patients did not require any other form of therapy.

Conclusion: This report warrants further adequately designed randomized clinical studies for evaluating the efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization in plantar fasciitis.

Advances in knowledge: Resorting to surgical option for chronic pain relief in plantar fasciitis might be reconsidered and replaced with arterial embolization. However, adequately designed long-term clinical studies are required to prove its long-term efficacy.

Keywords: TAE; VAS score; embolization; plantar fasciitis.

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Conflict of interest statement

None declared.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
(A) Angiogram of distal right posterior tibial artery with microcatheter (white arrow) showing hypervascular abnormal blush (blue arrow) from a tiny branch supplying the insertion of plantar fascia. (B) No hypervascular blush noted after embolization on digital subtraction angiogram.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
(A) Angiogram of distal left posterior tibial artery with microcatheter showing hypervascular abnormal blush (blue arrow) from a tiny branch supplying the insertion of plantar fascia at calcaneum. (B) No hypervascular blush noted after embolization on digital subtraction angiogram.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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