Transarterial Microembolization in Refractory Plantar Fasciitis: Functional and Patient-Reported Early- to Midterm Outcomes from a Single-Center Pilot Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background/Objectives: Chronic plantar fasciitis refractory to conservative treatment remains a therapeutic challenge, and minimally invasive options targeting pathologic neovascularization are of growing interest. We evaluated the safety and early- to midterm clinical outcomes of transarterial microembolization in refractory plantar fasciitis, with emphasis on functional and patient-reported outcomes. Methods: In this single-center observational pilot study with ambispective data collection, 16 procedures in 13 patients were treated using imipenem/cilastatin. The primary outcome was pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale, NRS); secondary outcomes included the Foot Function Index (FFI), the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), analgesic use, return to activity, need for further treatment, and complications. Results: Technical success was 100%. Median NRS decreased from 10.0 at baseline to 3.0 at 1 month and 0.0 at 3 months, with significant improvement maintained through 18 months. Median FFI improved from 9.42 to near zero, and analgesic use declined. At 12 months, 90.9% of procedures reported clinical improvement. Reintervention was required once (6.3%); only minor complications occurred (12.5%), with no major events. Full return to normal activity was achieved in 68.8%. Conclusions: Transarterial microembolization was associated with rapid functional and patient-reported improvement and a favorable safety profile. These exploratory, hypothesis-generating findings warrant confirmation in controlled prospective studies.
Source: Diagnostics
Language: English
Topic: Foot and Ankle Surgery
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7169207177