[Transarterial periarticular embolization (TAPE) for treatment of achillodynia: initial results].

Background: In recent years, transarterial periarticular embolization (TAPE) has received increasing attention in the treatment of chronic joint pain, which can be caused by degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis but also by inflammatory changes in the capsule-ligament apparatus.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe the method as well as preliminary results of TAPE in the treatment of therapy-resistant achillodynia.

Material and methods: TAPE was used in the treatment of seven patients (female: 1, male: 6) with chronic achillodynia. The technical success rate and complication rates were analyzed. Furthermore, the changes in subjective pain were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the load-bearing capacity using the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI).

Results: All procedures were performed successfully (technical success rate: 100%); no complications were observed. In the first postoperative week, pain was reduced from an initial average VAS of 8.2 to 4.2. After 12 months, there was a further reduction to 1.4. At the same time, based on the FADI, the Achilles tendon load capacity increased on average from 45.4 initially to 60.1 after 1 week and to 89.9 after 12 months.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that TAPE may be a new, promising procedure in the treatment of therapy-resistant, chronic achillodynia. This technically demanding but minimally invasive procedure, performed only under local anesthesia, can significantly reduce pain and restore the patient's ability to bear weight.