Intra-Arterial Infusion of Imipenem/Cilastatin Sodium through a Needle Inserted into the Radial Artery as a New Treatment for Refractory Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intra-arterial infusion of temporary embolic material with/without radiographic monitoring via a needle placed into the radial artery to occlude abnormal neovessels for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-one patients having Eaton stage II or III osteoarthritis, with a symptom duration longer than 6 months, resistant to conservative therapy for at least 3 months were prospectively enrolled. All procedures were performed by infusing imipenem/cilastatin sodium through a 24-gauge needle that was percutaneously inserted into the radial artery. Seven patients underwent the procedure with fluoroscopy, and 21 patients underwent the procedure without fluoroscopy. The mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score, numerical rating scale (NRS), and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale were evaluated before and at 2, 6, and 24 months after the first procedure. RESULTS Technical success was 100%. The mean procedure time (from the beginning of local anesthesia to the removal of needle) was 2.9 minutes ± 1.6. The QuickDASH score improved from the baseline to 2, 6, and 24 months (49.2 ± 11.2 vs 22.1 ± 11.2, 20.9 ± 16.6, and 19.5 ± 16.1, respectively, all P <.001). The NRS improved from the baseline to 2, 6, and 24 months (7.2 ± 1.1 vs 3.1 ± 1.8, 2.8 ± 2, and 2.5 ± 2.1, respectively, all P <.001). Improvement on PGIC was observed in 84%, 81%, and 77% of patients at 2, 6, and 24 months, respectively. No major adverse events were encountered. CONCLUSIONS Intra-arterial infusion of temporary embolic material is a feasible treatment option for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis.