title: Radiofrequency ablation of chondroblastoma: long-term clinical and imaging outcomes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the long-term clinical and imaging outcomes of patients with chondroblastoma treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective analysis of 25 consecutive patients treated with RFA from September 2006 to December 2013. Patients were reviewed within one month of the procedure, then every 3-6 months, and yearly for up to three years. Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at follow-up to monitor recovery. Functional outcome was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society Score (MSTS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pre-procedure MRI confirmed osteolytic lesions (size range 1.0-3.3 cm; mean 2.0 cm). Patients reported continued symptomatic improvement at four months review. Serial MRI confirmed progressive resolution of inflammation with fatty consolidation of cavity. 88 % of patients became asymptomatic during the follow up period. Three patients' (12 %) symptoms returned at 16, 22 and 24 months respectively after RFA. MRI and biopsy confirmed recurrence in these patients. Functional assessment using MSTS score had an average score of 97.5 %. Mean follow up for the study group was 49 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RFA is an effective alternative to surgery in the management of chondroblastoma. We recommend a multi-disciplinary approach and RFA should be considered as a first-line treatment. Long-term follow-up is required for timely detection of recurrences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  • RFA is a safe and effective technique in the treatment of chondroblastoma. • Positive outcomes in 88 % patients at mean follow-up period of 49 months. • Local recurrences occurred in 12 % cases. • Long-term follow-up is required for timely detection of recurrences. • RFA should be considered as a first-line treatment for chondroblastoma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation Trust, Bristol Road South, Northfield, Birmingham, B31 2AP, UK, chengxie@doctors.org.uk.
authors.forename: Cheng
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Xie
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jeys
authors.forename: Steven L J
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: James
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002804:Chondroblastoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome