Retrieval of a fractured drill tip during osteoid osteoma treatment

Abstract

Osteoid osteomas are relatively common accounting for approximately 10% of all biopsied benign bone tumours. They typically present with pain and arise predominantly in the cortex of long bones in children and young adults.1 Traditional treatments include surgical resection and curettage; however, localization of the central nidus intraoperatively can be problematic. This may lead to incomplete removal and subsequent increased risk of recurrence. Furthermore, removal of a section of the cortex to access the nidus canweaken the bone potentially resulting in fracture. A number of percutaneous treatments have been described including radiofrequency ablation, drilling, trepanation, laser photocoagulation, and chemical destruction of the nidus.2 The most widely used of these techniques is radiofrequency ablation and it has become the method of choice in the treatment of osteoid osteoma.3 Complications are rare and include infection, thermal injury to skin, soft tissues, and articular cartilage, and equipment malfunction. Needle fracture is a recognized