CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma in the long bones of the lower extremity.

AIM

To present our initial experience with computed tomography guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of osteoid osteoma (OO) in our institution.

METHODS

RFA was performed on eight patients (5 males and 3 females) with clinically and radiologically diagnosed OO (femoral neck, n = 4; femoral diaphysis, n = 2; tibial diaphysis, n = 1; fibular diaphysis, n = 1). Ablation was performed using an electrode with a 10-mm exposed tip for a total of 4-6 min at a targeted temperature of 90 degrees Celsius. No cooling system was used. The intervention was accepted as technically successful if the tip of the electrode could be placed within the center of the nidus. We defined clinical success as a disappearance within 2 wk after treatment of symptoms that had manifested at presentation.

RESULTS

All procedures were technically successful. No major or immediate complications were observed. Clinical success was achieved in six of eight patients in the first procedure. A second procedure was performed for two patients who had recurrent or continued pain, and one of these cases was successfully treated. The overall rate of success was 87.5% (7/8). No complication was observed.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary results indicate a favorable success rate and no complications and are compatible with the previous reports of RFA of OO.