Radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma: outcomes from the West of Scotland

Background: Osteoid osteoma is a classically described benign bone tumour. Traditionally, the surgical treatment of choice was excision, but this can have significant morbidity. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has grown in popularity as an alternative treatment. This study reports the outcomes using this technique in our regional bone tumour unit. Methods: Between May 2003 and October 2007, 14 patients underwent CT-guided RFA. All patients were subsequently offered follow-up in the out-patient clinic. Outcomes were taken from the Scottish Bone Tumour Registry database. Results: Eleven patients (78.6%) had complete resolution of symptoms after one RFA. Three (21.4%) cases were unsuccessful but one of these was due to technical failure. All three of the above patients had complete relief of symptoms after one further RFA. One (7.1%) patient initially had complete relief of symptoms, but suffered recurrence after 9 months. This patient also had a second curative treatment. Conclusion: Percutaneous RFA for osteoid osteoma is an attractive treatment due to its efficacy and low morbidity. Our results showed a primary success rate of 78.6%, a secondary success rate of 100% (after one additional procedure). Our results add to the growing literature supporting RFA as the preferred treatment for osteoid osteoma.