Percutaneous radiofrequency thermalablation of osteoid osteoma

Abstract

Osteoid osteoma is a common benign bone lesion that affects adolescents and young adults. Spontaneous resolutionof pain is unreliable and may take years to resolve. Relief with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) is often unpredictable and requires prolonged administration. Surgical en bloc resection has been the treatment of choice for these tumors. Recently, however, percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation, a technique that delivers a discrete, controlled thermal injury to the targeted tissue, has been applied to the treatment of osteoid osteoma, with positive results. This report reviews the pathophysiology and natural history of osteoid osteoma, the basic science of radiofrequency thermal ablation, and our clinical experience of its use in the treatment of osteoid osteoma. Finally, the technique of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of osteoid osteoma is described in detail.