Computed tomography guided radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma in children: a single center's experience.

Abstract

To report a single center's experience evaluating the efficacy and safety of computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of osteoid osteoma in children. Institutional database research identified 33 symptomatic patients (≤ 18years of age; male/female ratio: 21/12, mean age 13.09 ± 3.66) with osteoid osteoma who were treated by CT-guided RFA. Technical and clinical success as well as complication rates were recorded. The duration of the procedure, the number of computed tomography scans and the results of the biopsy were assessed. Pain, prior, the following morning and 1week, 1/6/12months after the procedure were compared by means of a numeric visual scale (NVS) questionnaire. Mean lesion size was 8.28 ± 4.24mm. Mean follow-up was 23.33 ± 17.61months (range 12-62). Mean pain score prior to radiofrequency ablation was 9.06 ± 0.80 NVS units. On week 1 and 1/6/12months, all patients were pain-free reporting 0 NVS units (p < 0.05). The mean procedure time was 54min (range 51-59) and a mean of 7 CT scans were performed during the ablation session. RF electrode was successfully placed in the center of the nidus in all cases. In our study, none of our patient experienced recurrence of the pain, nor complications. The present study demonstrates that percutaneous CT-guided radiofrequency ablation constitutes a safe and effective technique for osteoid osteoma treatment in children.