Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma using cool-tip electrodes without the cooling system.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for osteoid osteoma (OO) using cool-tip electrodes without the cooling system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 17 patients (13 males, 4 females; mean age 19.1 years; range 7-49 years) with OO (tibia, n = 7; femur, n = 5; acetabulum, n = 2; radius, n = 1; talus, n = 1; lumbar spine, n = 1) underwent RFA. Using a cool-tip electrode without the cooling system, the lesion was heated to 90°C for 4 or 5 min. Procedures were considered technically successful if the electrode was placed into the nidus and the target temperature was reached and maintained for at least 4 min. Clinical success of the treatment was defined as complete or partial pain relief after RFA.

RESULTS

All procedures were considered technically successful, although two patients encountered complications (pes equinus contracture, skin burn). Altogether, 16 of the 17 patients (94.1%) achieved complete or partial pain relief after primary RFA. Two patients had pain recurrence, with one of them treated successfully with a second RFA. The overall clinical success rate was 88.2%. Histological findings confirmed the presence of OO in 13 patients (76.5%).

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous RFA of OO using cool-tip electrodes without the cooling system is a safe, effective procedure.