Clinical Outcomes of Shoulder Artery Embolization for Adhesive Capsulitis.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for adhesive capsulitis (AC) resistant to conventional treatments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis performed between January 2015 and December 2024. TAE was performed with a suspension of imipenem/cilastatin sodium in contrast agent. Subjects were assessed before, 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure using the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and the joint balance of Constant-Murley score (CMS). Demographic variables, risk factors, technical aspects and adverse events were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The study included 128 TAE procedures in 118 patients with AC. 84/118 [71.7%] women; mean age 52.4 ± 8.7 years old. One patient was lost to follow-up. Six months after TAE, significant improvements were observed in terms of pain reduction 7.8 vs. 2.2, P < .001 and regarding mobility in flexion and abduction, respectively (90.1° vs. 143.3°, P < .001; 79.6° vs. 128.8°, P < .001). No major adverse events occurred. Clinical improvement was documented in 115/128 (89.8%) at 12-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

TAE achieved pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with adhesive capsulitis refractory to conservative treatments.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4, Case Series.