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

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.