Initial Experience of Transarterial Embolization for Shoulder Musculoskeletal Pain Using an Ethiodized Oil-Based...

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Musculoskeletal Medicine
• Pain Management

Background:

• Refractory shoulder pain significantly impacts patient quality of life.
• Conventional treatments may not provide adequate relief for all patients.
• Transarterial embolization (TAE) is an emerging option for managing chronic pain conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of TAE using an ethiodized oil-based emulsion for refractory shoulder pain.
• To assess pain reduction and functional improvement following the procedure.
• To report the initial clinical experience with this novel embolization agent.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, multicenter study of 23 patients with shoulder pain.
• TAE performed using an ethiodized oil-based emulsion.
• Outcomes assessed via Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and QuickDASH for function.
• Adverse events meticulously recorded.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in VAS pain scores at rest and during mobilization (p < 0.05).
• Significant improvement in QuickDASH functional scores post-procedure (p < 0.05).
• High safety profile with only minor adverse events (radial artery thrombosis, hematoma).

Conclusions:

• TAE with an ethiodized oil-based emulsion is a safe and effective treatment for refractory shoulder pain.
• The procedure leads to significant pain relief and functional gains.
• Larger studies are warranted to further validate these promising findings.