Clinical results of ultrasound-guided intra-arterial embolization targeting abnormal neovessels for plantar fasciitis: 66 cases with up to 4 years of follow-up

Takahide Sasaki; Masahiko Shibuya; Koichi Miyazaki; Masaya Nakata; Atsuhiko Kawabe; Takashi Nakasone; Nobuaki Sakai; Yuji Okuno

doi:10.1016/j.fas.2024.07.009

Clinical results of ultrasound-guided intra-arterial embolization targeting abnormal neovessels for plantar fasciitis: 66 cases with up to 4 years of follow-up

Foot Ankle Surg. 2024 Jul 27:S1268-7731(24)00160-7. doi: 10.1016/j.fas.2024.07.009. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Takahide Sasaki¹, Masahiko Shibuya², Koichi Miyazaki³, Masaya Nakata⁴, Atsuhiko Kawabe⁴, Takashi Nakasone⁴, Nobuaki Sakai⁴, Yuji Okuno⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama City, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; Musculoskeletal Intervention Center, Okuno Clinic Kobe, B1 Fl, 1-2-1, Sannomiyacho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo 650-0021, Japan.
² Musculoskeletal Intervention Center, Okuno Clinic Kobe, B1 Fl, 1-2-1, Sannomiyacho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo 650-0021, Japan.
³ Musculoskeletal Intervention Center, Okuno Clinic Osaka, 3rd Fl Shinsaibashi Front Bldg., 3-5-11, Minamifunaba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 542-0081, Japan.
⁴ Musculoskeletal Intervention Center, Okuno Clinic Tokyo, 4th Fl Ginrei Bldg., 7-8-4, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan.
⁵ Musculoskeletal Intervention Center, Okuno Clinic Tokyo, 4th Fl Ginrei Bldg., 7-8-4, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan. Electronic address: okuno@okuno-y-clinic.com.

PMID: 39089905
DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2024.07.009

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of chronic heel pain, affecting young and older patients.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients with PF refractory to conservative treatment who underwent intra-arterial embolization of abnormal neovessels. All patients received temporary embolic material through a needle percutaneously inserted into the posterior tibial artery. The numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and procedure-related adverse events were evaluated.

Results: Between January 2020 and February 2022, 66 patients with PF were treated with intra-arterial embolization without major adverse events. The NRS pain score improved significantly, and the AOFAS score increased from 65.8 pre-treatment to 92.8 at 1 year post-treatment. The treatment effect was maintained until the final follow-up (mean duration: 30.9 months).

Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided intraarterial embolization using temporary embolic material may be effective for PF.

Level of evidence: IV.

Keywords: Abnormal neovessels; Intraarterial embolization technique; Plantar fasciitis.