Our experience with osteoid osteomas treated by percutaneous radiofrequency ablation

Abstract

Evaluating the outcome of computed tomography (CT) guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of osteoid osteoma in unattainable region. Material and Methods: 12 patients between 12 -30 years of age with osteoid osteoma were selected and treated by percutaneous CT guided radio-frequency ablation. All the patients had complained of pain. Evaluation done with x-ray, CT, MRI and bone scintigraphy. The lesion is heated to 90 0 C for a minimum of 6 minutes by Radiofrequency ablation under general anaesthesia. Results: All patients had complete relief of pain after radiofrequency ablation and was fully weight bearing without any support. Local erythema was noted in 6 patients, paresthesia was observed in 2 patients, 1 patients had a small cortical chip fracture at entry site of needle which healed spontaneously and 3 cases of minor thermal injury of skin were noted which required dressing with 0.2% Silver Nitrate ointment. Patients were followed up for 2 years (24 months), and no recurrence was reported. Conclusion: CT guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is an effective, minimally invasive and economic treatment method for osteoid osteomas.

Locoregional Thermal and Chemical Tumor Ablation: Review of Clinical Applications and Potential Opportunities for Use in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

“…RFA treatment is available in some LMICs but mostly performed in inpatient settings with sufficient resources. 25 , 26 , 28 , 30 , 37 , 40 , 41 The adoption and generalization of RFA in low-resource settings is hindered due to unavailability of the essential and associated devices (eg, electrodes, generators, and cooling devices), lack of experienced physicians, and high treatment costs. 50 Since the ablation electrodes contribute substantially to the overall cost, development of affordable or reusable electrodes could significantly reduce the burden of medical expenses and facilitate the extensive application of RFA therapy in LMICs.…”