Transcatheter arterial embolization for plantar fasciitis

NewsBot · May 23, 2024

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Early outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization using imipenem/cilastatin for plantar fasciitis refractory to conservative therapy
Rozil Gandhi, Mohal Banker
British Journal of Radiology, Volume 97, Issue 1155, March 2024, Pages 544–548,

Objective
The conservative therapy for chronic plantar fasciitis works for a few patients, while surgical options have drawbacks. Before considering surgical options, transcatheter arterial embolization may help patients with plantar fasciitis who are experiencing discomfort resistant to conservative treatment.

Methods
We report evaluation data of 10 patients treated with transcatheter arterial embolization using imipenem/cilastatin as embolic agents to relieve chronic pain due to plantar fasciitis. All the patients were refractory to conservative therapy.

Results
The technical success of the procedure was found to be 100%. Further, effective pain relief was observed as there was no pain relapse in 6 months, and patients did not require any other form of therapy.

Conclusion
This report warrants further adequately designed randomized clinical studies for evaluating the efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization in plantar fasciitis.

Advances in knowledge
Resorting to surgical option for chronic pain relief in plantar fasciitis might be reconsidered and replaced with arterial embolization. However, adequately designed long-term clinical studies are required to prove its long-term efficacy.
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NewsBot · May 23, 2024

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Other threads on plantar fasciitis

NewsBot · Nov 30, 2025

Superselective embolization of the medial calcaneal artery: a minimally invasive and novel solution for rapid pain relief in plantar fasciitis
Mehmet Tonkaz , Tumay Bekci
Eur J Radiol. 2025 Nov 24:195:112573.

Purpose: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of superselective embolization of the medial calcaneal artery using imipenem/cilastatin in patients with chronic, treatment-resistant plantar fasciitis.

Materials and methods: In this single-center prospective study, 32 patients (17 females, 15 males; mean age: 47.3 ± 9.1 years) with chronic plantar fasciitis unresponsive to conservative treatments underwent superselective embolization of the medial calcaneal artery using imipenem/cilastatin. In 31 patients (96.9 %), the target artery originated from the posterior tibial artery or lateral plantar artery; in one patient (3.1 %), it originated from the peroneal artery due to anatomical variations. Pain severity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional status with the Foot Function Index (FFI), and plantar fascia thickness using ultrasound imaging. Technical success, complications, and recurrence were recorded.

Results: All procedures were technically successful, with no major or minor complications. The mean VAS score decreased from 7.3 ± 0.7 at baseline to 1.3 ± 0.5 at six months (p < 0.001), while the mean FFI score improved from 55.5 ± 4.9 to 20.4 ± 6.3 (p < 0.001). Plantar fascia thickness decreased from 5.2 ± 0.6 mm to 3.7 ± 0.3 mm at six months (p < 0.001). Minimal recurrence was observed in five patients (15.6 %) with physically demanding occupations and orthopedic heel insoles were recommended; however, no repeat embolization was required.

Conclusion: Superselective embolization of the medial calcaneal artery using imipenem/cilastatin represents a novel, safe, and minimally invasive strategy for rapid and sustained pain relief in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.
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NewsBot · Dec 26, 2025

The use of the ipsilateral dorsalis pedis artery approach for transarterial embolization in symptomatic chronic plantar fasciitis: a case report
Mohmmed Margni et al
J Surg Case Rep. 2025 Dec 23;2025(12):rjaf1018.

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, and while most cases respond to conservative management, some remain refractory to treatment. Chronic cases are associated with abnormal neovascularization and increased fascial vascularity. Transcatheter embolization (TAE) has recently emerged as a minimally invasive alternative for musculoskeletal pain, though prior plantar fasciitis cases have primarily used femoral or posterior tibial access. We report the first case of chronic, treatment-resistant plantar fasciitis successfully managed with TAE via the ipsilateral Dorsalis Pedis artery. A 68-year-old male (BMI 40.46 kg/m2) underwent targeted embolization of hypervascular medial plantar branches using Imipenem-Cilastatin (2 mL). The procedure was completed in under 15 minutes, with minimal blood loss and no complications. The ipsilateral Dorsalis Pedis approach enables more precise targeting and reduced radiation exposure compared with posterior tibial access, while offering fewer complications and faster recovery compared with femoral access-representing a novel and effective option.
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Transcatheter arterial embolization for plantar fasciitis

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Transcatheter arterial embolization for plantar fasciitis

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

Transarterial Embolization for Chronic Foot Pain

Lower extremity arterial stenosis scores (LEASS)

Intra-arterial Infusion of Temporary Embolic Material in Plantar Fasciitis

Hallucal thenar index: A new index to detect peripheral arterial disease

Arterial Circulation and Clubfoot

Lower limb pulse rise time as a marker of peripheral arterial disease

The Arterial Anatomy of the Lateral Ligament Complex of the Ankle: A Cadaveric Study

Share This Page

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