Transarterial Embolization for Refractory Overuse Sports Injury: Pictorial Case Reports

Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2023 Nov;46(11):1525-1537. doi: 10.1007/s00270-023-03496-w. Epub 2023 Jul 11.

Abstract

Transarterial embolization for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal diseases is gaining increasing interest in the field of interventional radiology. Overuse sports injury is defined as an injury occurring in the absence of a single, identifiable traumatic cause. In the treatment of this condition, there is a need for reliable results and a quick return to activity. Minimally invasive treatments with short periods of missed practice are required. Intra-arterial embolization has the potential to meet this need. In this article, we describe cases of embolization for refractory overuse sports injuries including patellar tendinopathy, pes anserine, plantar fasciitis, triangular fibrocartilage complex injury, hamstring injury, infrapatellar fat pad inflammation, Achilles tendinopathy, delayed union metatarsal bone fracture, lumbar spondylolysis, and repetitive hamstrings strain.

Keywords: Lumbar spondylolysis; Overuse sports injury; Tendinopathy; Transcatheter arterial embolization.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Achilles Tendon* / injuries
  • Athletic Injuries* / diagnostic imaging
  • Athletic Injuries* / therapy
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders* / therapy
  • Embolization, Therapeutic*
  • Humans
  • Tendinopathy* / therapy