Radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteomas: analgesia and patient satisfaction in long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE

To review the long term clinical outcomes in the treatment of osteoid osteoma (OO) using radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our retrospective study included 59 patients who were treated in the period from April 2001 to December 2012 due to a symptomatic OO using RFA. Here, the occurrence of complications and postoperative recurrence, as well as postoperative patient satisfaction were examined. Patients satisfaction was assessed by means of a telephone interview with the visual analogue scale (VAS).

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 50 months (2 –116 months). The average size of the nidus was 6mm (range 2 – 14 mm). After initial radiofrequency ablation 11.8 % (7/59) of patient showed a recurrence of symptoms. Symptoms could successfully be treated by a second ablation in 5 patients. Assisted success rate was therefore 96.6 % (57/59). The complication rate was 5.1 % (2 major and one minor complication). Furthermore we report a very high patient satisfaction and acceptance of therapy.

CONCLUSION

RFA is a very successful therapy of symptomatic OOs with a high patient satisfaction.

KEY POINTS

Osteoid osteomas (OO) are rare benign bone tumors of the childhood and adolescence. Treatment of OOs with minimal-invasive radiofrequency ablation (RFA) shows a high patient satisfaction. RFA is by now the standard therapy of symptomatic OOs.