Our experience with osteoid osteomas treated by percutaneous radiofrequency ablation

Abstract

Aim: Evaluating the outcome of computed tomography (CT) guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of osteoid osteoma in unattainable region. Material and Methods: 12 patients between 12 - 30 years of age with osteoid osteoma were selected and treated by percutaneous CT guided radio-frequency ablation. All the patients had complained of pain. Evaluation done with x-ray, CT, MRI and bone scintigraphy. The lesion is heated to 900 C for a minimum of 6 minutes by Radiofrequency ablation under general anaesthesia. Results: All patients had complete relief of pain after radiofrequency ablation and was fully weight bearing without any support. Local erythema was noted in 6 patients, paresthesia was observed in 2 patients, 1 patients had a small cortical chip fracture at entry site of needle which healed spontaneously and 3 cases of minor thermal injury of skin were noted which required dressing with 0.2% Silver Nitrate ointment. Patients were followed up for 2 years (24 months), and no recurrence was reported. Conclusion: CT guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is an effective, minimally invasive and economic treatment method for osteoid osteomas.