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Current Status of Trans-Arterial Embolization in Pain Management of Musculoskeletal Inflammatory Conditions — An Evidence-Based Review

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Abstract

Objective

To summarize the literature on trans-arterial embolization in inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions, focusing on efficacy and safety.

Materials and Methods

PRISMA guidelines were followed. A systematic literature search revealed 19 studies, with a total of 394 participants, eligible for inclusion.

Results

The included studies consisted of case reports/series and non-randomized interventional studies, with knee osteoarthritis and adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder as the most frequent conditions. In all studies except one, pain was reduced up to four years after treatment. All adverse events were transient. Due to high heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not possible.

Conclusion

The included early studies showed encouraging results regarding efficacy and safety. However, randomized, placebo-controlled trials are warranted.

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Funding

This study was not supported by any funding.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Louise Hindsø, Robert Gabriel Coumine Riis, Michael Bachmann Nielsen, Lars Lönn & Mikkel Taudorf

  2. Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Louise Hindsø, Per Hölmich, Michael Mørk Petersen, Michael Bachmann Nielsen, Lars Lönn & Mikkel Taudorf

  3. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Amager-Hvidovre Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark

    Per Hölmich

  4. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Inge Lehmanns Vej 6, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Michael Mørk Petersen

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  1. Louise Hindsø
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. The literature search was developed and conducted by first author LH and reviewed and approved by all co-authors. Screening of eligible studies and data extraction were done independently by LH and MT. The first draft of the manuscript was written by LH with supervision by MT and LL. All authors reviewed, edited, and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Louise Hindsø.

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This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

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Hindsø, L., Riis, R.G.C., Hölmich, P. et al. Current Status of Trans-Arterial Embolization in Pain Management of Musculoskeletal Inflammatory Conditions — An Evidence-Based Review. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 44, 1699–1708 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-021-02948-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-021-02948-5

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