CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of spinal osteoid osteoma

Background This study evaluated the feasibility, efficacy and safety of CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in patients with spinal osteoid osteoma. Methods Two patients suffered spinal osteoid osteoma were treated with CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation under local anesthesia. Lesions located in sacral vertebrae and cervical vertebrae, which were adjacent to nerve root and spinal canal respectively. Tumors were treated under 90 C radiofrequency temperature lasting 4 minutes by an electrode placement. Visual analog scale was used to evaluate the pain improvement. Results No complications were observed pre- and post-operation. Patients recovered to normal activities immediately and achieved complete pain relief in 24 hours. No symptoms were recurrent in 5 months and 4 months follow up. Mild scoliosis has been recovered in case 2. Conclusions CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of spinal osteoid osteoma is safe, effective and has more clinical benefits. The long-term outcome needs further observation. Chin Med J 2011;124(23):4083-4085