Radiofrequency ablation of spinal osteoid osteoma: clinical outcome.
METHODS
A prospective study on 24 patients with spinal osteoid osteoma treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA).


OBJECTIVE
To determine if and when computed tomography (CT)-guided RFA is a safe and effective treatment for spinal osteoid osteomas.


BACKGROUND
Surgery has been considered the standard treatment for spinal osteoid osteomas. Surgery may cause spinal instability, infection, and nervous injury. We evaluated CT-guided RFA as an alternative treatment.


METHODS
A total of 28 RFA procedures in 24 patients with spinal osteoid osteoma were performed, using a 5-mm noncooled electrode. Clinical symptoms and spinal deformity were evaluated before and after the procedure. Unsuccessful treatment was defined as the presence of residual or recurrent symptoms. The mean follow-up was 72 months (range: 9-142 months).


RESULTS
Nineteen (79%) patients were successfully treated after 1 RFA, and all except one after repeat RFA. One patient with nerve root compression needed further surgery. No complications were observed. Spinal deformity persisted in 3 of 7 patients after successful RFA.


CONCLUSIONS
CT-guided RFA is a safe and effective treatment for spinal osteoid osteoma. Surgery should be reserved for lesions causing nerve root compression.
Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Geert M
GM
Vanderschueren
Wim R
WR
Obermann
Sander P D
SP
Dijkstra
Antoni H M
AH
Taminiau
Johan L
JL
Bloem
Arian R
AR
van Erkel
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010017:Osteoma, Osteoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult