Radiofrequency Ablation of Osteoid Osteoma: Initial Experience with a New Monopolar Ablation Device

The purpose of this article is to report our initial experience with the “off-label” use of a new monopolar radiofrequency (RF) probe for percutaneous ablation of osteoid osteomas. Seventeen patients (12 male and 5 female, mean age 24.8 [range 9–49]) with osteoid osteoma were treated by computed tomography (CT)-guided RF ablation (RFA). All procedures were performed with the patient under general aesthesia. After localization of the nidus, a 13G hollow drill was introduced into the nidus through a 7F introducer sheath. A monopolar 16.5G RF probe with a 9-mm active tip (Soloist; Boston Scientific, Natick, MA) was inserted through the introducer sheath and connected to the RF generator. Energy application was started at 2 W and subsequently increased every 2 min by 1 W to a maximum of 8 W. The procedure ended if impedance increased by 500 Ω. Mean duration of energy deposition was 14.2 ± 3.3 min. Fourteen of 17 patients (82%) were free of symptoms at 29.9 ± 14.8 (range 4 to 47) months of follow-up. The primary and secondary success rates were 83% and 100%, respectively. In 3 patients, recurrence of pain at 6 (n = 1) and 15 (n = 2) months after the initial procedure was successfully treated by reablation. There were no complications. Monopolar RFA using the Soloist probe is effective and safe for the treatment of osteoid osteoma. It results in comparable success rates as other monopolar or bipolar RF systems in the treatment of osteoid osteoma.     

Osteoid osteoma: CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and follow-up in 47 patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate computed tomography (CT)-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation as a minimally invasive therapy for osteoid osteoma with regard to technical and clinical success and immediate and delayed complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients (age range, 8-41 y; mean age, 19.6 y) with osteoid osteomas (femur, n = 25; tibia, n = 15; pelvis, n = 2; humerus, n = 1; ulna, n = 1; talus, n = 1; calcaneus, n = 1; vertebral body, n = 1) were treated with CT-guided RF ablation in 15 cases after one (n = 10) or two (n = 5) unsuccessful attempts at open surgical resection. Percutaneous therapy was performed with use of general or spinal anesthesia. After localization of the nidus with 1-3-mm CT sections, osseous access was established with either a 2-mm coaxial drill system or an 11-gauge Jamshidi needle. RF ablation was performed at 90 degrees C for a period of 4-5 minutes with use of a rigid RF electrode with a diameter of 1 mm. The procedures were regarded as technically successful if the tip of the RF electrode could be placed within the center of the nidus and could be heated to the desired temperature. Clinical success of treatment was defined as permanent relief of pain and return to normal function without additional treatment. In case of persistence or recurrence of symptoms after RF ablation, treatment was regarded as secondarily successful if permanent relief of symptoms could be achieved in a second procedure. RESULTS: All procedures were technically successful. Clinical success was achieved in 94% of patients (44 of 47). Three patients had recurrence of pain 3, 5, and 7 months after treatment, respectively (mean observation interval, 22 mo). All recurrences were treated successfully in a second procedure (secondary success rate, 100%). No immediate or delayed complications were observed. CONCLUSION: CT-guided percutaneous RF ablation is a simple, minimally invasive, safe and highly effective technique for treatment of osteoid osteoma.     

Percutaneous osteoid osteoma treatment with combination of radiofrequency and alcohol ablation

AIM: To assess the efficacy of percutaneous osteoid osteoma treatment using a combination of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and alcohol ablation with regard to technical and long-term clinical success. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2001 to November 2004, RFA and subsequent alcohol ablation was performed on 54 patients with osteoid osteoma, diagnosed clinically using radiography, computed tomography (CT) and symptoms. Under general anaesthesia, treatment was performed via percutaneous access under thin section (2mm) spiral CT guidance in all cases with an 11 G radiofrequency-compatible coaxial needle and 2mm coaxial drill system and 1.0 cm active tip 17 G non-cooled radiofrequency needle. RFA was performed at 90 degrees C for a period of 6 min. After needle removal, 0.5-1.0 ml absolute alcohol (99.8% concentration) was injected directly into the nidus using a 20 G needle. Patients were discharged within 24h and followed up clinically (at 1 week, 1 month and every 3 months thereafter). RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100%. Complications occurred in two patients consisting of local mild cellulitis in entry site and peripheral small zone paresthesia on the anterior part of leg. The follow-up period range was 13-48 months (mean+/-SD, 28.2+/-7.4 months). Prompt pain relief and return to normal activities were observed in 52 of 54 patients. Recurrent pain occurred in two patients after a 1 and 3 months period of being pain free, respectively; a second RFA and alcohol ablation was performed achieving successful results. Primary and secondary clinical success rates were 96.3% (52/54 patients) and 100% (2/2 patients), respectively. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous osteoid osteoma treatment with combination of radiofrequency and alcohol ablation is safe, effective and minimally invasive with high primary and secondary success rates. Persistent or recurrent lesions can be effectively re-treated.     

Osteoid osteoma of the spine: CT-guided monopolar radiofrequency ablation

CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and laser photocoagulation have become the methods of choice for the treatment of all osteoid osteomas except those in contact with neural structures.We report 10 patients with spinal osteoid osteoma adjacent to the neural elements treated with 12 sessions of CT-guided monopolar radiofrequency ablation. The size range of the lesion was 3-14 mm (mean, 7.5 mm) and the distance between the nidus and the adjacent spinal cord or nerve root was 2-12 mm (mean, 5 mm). No intact cortex between the tumor and the spinal cord or nerve roots constituted an exclusion criterion because of a higher risk of undesirable neurotoxic effects.Patients were under general anesthesia. After location of the lesion, a 11G-bone biopsy was introduced into the nidus. The radiofrequency electrode was inserted through the biopsy needle and heated at 90 °C for 4 min.Primary success was obtained in eight patients.At follow-up (mean, 19.5 months; range, 6-24 months), pain persisted in two patients after 2 months. Both of them were re-treated. All patients are currently pain-free and complications were not detected.In our opinion, radiofrequency ablation can also be considered the treatment of choice for spinal osteoid osteoma.     

Osteoid osteoma: percutaneous laser ablation and follow-up in 114 patients

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness of interstitial laser ablation (ILA) as a curative treatment of osteoid osteoma. Materials and METHODS: Ethical review board approval was obtained for the retrospective study. Informed consent was waived. From June 1994 to June 2004, 114 patients (mean age, 22.3 years) suspected of having osteoid osteoma underwent ILA with a diode laser (805 nm). An optical fiber was introduced into the nidus of the osteoid osteoma, and 400-3000 J of energy was delivered, depending on the size and location of the nidus. Twelve spinal osteoid osteomas were treated; in five of these cases, the nidus was located fewer than 8 mm from the adjacent nerve roots, and slow epidural or periradicular infusion of normal saline was used to avoid thermal damage to neurologic structures. Pain was evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS) and medication. ILA was considered successful (score, 0) when complete pain relief was achieved (VAS score, <1) without medication. RESULTS: One week after ILA, 112 patients had a score of 0. One week after ILA, one patient had pain that persisted for 2 months because of reflex sympathetic dystrophy. At follow-up (mean, 58.5 months; range, 13-130 months), six patients had recurrence of pain from 6 weeks to 27 months after the initial ILA. These recurrences were treated successfully with a second ILA. Only one unsuccessful treatment was encountered. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous ILA is an effective treatment for osteoid osteoma.     

CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of spinal osteoid osteomas with concomitant perineural and epidural irrigation for neuroprotection

Here we report our experience of a neuroprotective adaptation of the technique of CT-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation of spinal osteoid osteomas. Over 9 years seven patients underwent eight CT-guided RF treatments for osteoid osteoma. CT-guided RF ablation was performed with general anaesthesia. The lesion was heated to 90°C for 2 min for two cycles by using a Cosman SMK TC-10 RF electrode. This was preceded by a bolus of room temperature sterile water (10 ml) injected through a 26G curved spinal needle into the exit foramen and adjacent epidural space for neuroprotection. The age of the patient, sex, lesion location, biopsy results and complications were recorded. All the biopsies (n = 7) demonstrated histological features of osteoid osteoma. All the procedures were technically successful. Clinical success was assessed up to 3 years post procedure. There was an 85% clinical success rate (6 of the 7 patients), with recurrence of a lesion at 6 months, necessitating a repeat procedure (successful). CT-guided percutaneous RF ablation of spinal osteoid osteoma preceded by bolus of sterile water, injected through a spinal needle into the exit foramen and adjacent epidural space for neuroprotection, is a safe and effective procedure.     

Percutaneous radiofrequency treatment of osteoid osteoma using cool-tip electrodes

OBJECTIVES: To report our experience with percutaneous cool-tip radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteomas and to evaluate clinical outcome. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Forty-one patients with clinically and radiologically suspected osteoid osteoma were seen over a 48-month period (27 males and 14 females with a mean age of 18.7 years; range 5-43 years). Thirty-eight patients were treated by computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. The procedure was performed under regional or general anaesthesia. After location of the nidus, a 14G-bone biopsy needle is introduced into the nidus. Sampling is performed with a 17G-bone biopsy needle using a coaxial technique. The radiofrequency needle with a 10mm active tip (cool-tip) is inserted through the biopsy needle and is connected to the radiofrequency generator for 6-8 min. RESULTS: Primary success was obtained in 37 patients (97%) with a 100% secondary success rate. All patients are currently pain-free. No major complications occurred. Patients could resume unrestricted normal activity within 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteomas is an efficient and safe method that can be considered the procedure of choice for most cases.     

Intra-articular hip joint osteoid osteoma: Challenging diagnosis and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation treatment

Atypical intra-articular osteoid osteoma can be difficult to diagnose and challenging to treat. We report a case of a right acetabular subchondral intra-articular osteoid osteoma in a young male patient which was initially diagnosed as femoroacetabular impingement due to its atypical clinical and radiological presentations. After fully working up the patient the lesion was successfully treated with percutaneous CT-guided low-power bipolar radiofrequency ablation using several per procedural articular cartilage thermal protective measures including intra-articular thermocouple, and continuous per procedural joint space cooling with Dextrose 5% solution. A precise RFA electrode placement, using the No-touch technique, and applying different passive and active thermal protective measures were helpful in avoiding collateral damage of the hip joint articular cartilages. atypical intra-articular osteoid osteomas necessitate pertinent correlation between the clinical and radiological presentations. As far as intra-articular or subchondral nidus ablation is concerned, thermal protective measures should be considered.     

CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma: long-term results

The aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of osteoid osteoma (OO). From 1997 to 2001, RF ablation was performed on 38 patients with OO, diagnosed clinically and by radiography, scintigraphy, contrast-enhanced MRI, and CT. Treatment was performed via percutaneous (n=29) or surgical (n=9) access, under CT guidance in all cases, with an 18-gauge straight electrode. Patients were discharged within 24 h and followed up clinically (at 1 week and every 6–12 months) and with MRI (at 6 months) and scintigraphy (after 1 year). The technical success rate was 100%. Complications occurred in two patients, consisting in local skin burns. The follow-up range was 12–66 months (mean ± SD, 35.5±7.5 months). Prompt pain relief and return to normal activities were observed in 30 of 38 patients. Persistent pain occurred in eight patients; two patients refused further RF ablation and were treated surgically; RF ablation was repeated in six cases achieving successful results in five. One patient reported residual pain and is being evaluated for surgical excision. Primary and secondary clinical success rates were 78.9 (30/38 patients) and 97% (35/36 patients), respectively. CT-guided RF ablation of OO is safe and effective. Persistent lesions can be effectively re-treated. Several imaging modalities are needed for the diagnosis of OO and for the follow-up after treatment, particularly in patients with persistent symptoms.     

Image-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for osteoid osteomas

The authors present a retrospective analysis of the technical and clinical successes, complications, and clinical follow-up of image-guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of osteoid osteomas. Nine patients with osteoid osteomas underwent image-guided localization of osteoid osteomas. Outpatient percutaneous therapy (13 procedures) was performed under general anesthesia after image-guided localization of the nidus. Initial technical success was achieved in seven of nine patients. Two initial technical and clinical failures occurred early in this experience because of failure to adequately enter the nidus with use of fluoroscopic imaging alone. Clinical success was achieved in eight of nine patients. No major immediate or delayed complications were observed.     

Percutaneous Biopsy of Osteoid Osteomas Prior to Percutaneous Treatment Using Two Different Biopsy Needles

Biopsy is usually performed as the first step in percutaneous treatment of osteoid osteomas prior to laser photocoagulation. At our institution, 117 patients with a presumed diagnosis of osteoid osteoma had a trephine biopsy before a percutaneous laser photocoagulation. Biopsies were made using two different types of needles. A Bonopty biopsy needle (14-gauge cannula, 16-gauge trephine needle; Radi Medical Systems, Uppsala, Sweden) was used in 65 patients, and a Laurane biopsy needle (11-gauge cannula, 12.5-gauge trephine needle; Laurane Medical, Saint-Arnoult, France) in 43 patients. Overall biopsy results were positive for osteoid osteoma in 83 (70.9%) of the 117 cases. The Laurane needle provided a significantly higher positive rate (81.4%) than the Bonopty needle (66.1%; p < 0.05). This difference was not due to the size of the nidus, which was similar in the two groups (p < 0.05) and may be an effect of differences in needle caliber (12.5 vs. 14 gauge) as well as differences in needle design. The rate of positive biopsy results obtained in the present series with the Laurane biopsy needle is, to our knowledge, the highest rate reported in series dealing with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and laser photocoagulation of osteoid osteomas.     

Percutaneous laser photocoagulation of osteoid osteomas under CT guidance

AIM: The aim was to evaluate laser photocoagulation and the use of the Bonopty needle system in the treatment of osteoid osteoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients with osteoid osteomas were treated with computed tomography (CT)-guided, percutaneous laser photocoagulation using the Bonopty biopsy system. RESULTS: Complete pain relief was obtained in four patients. In one patient, pain persisted until the 6 weeks follow-up but resolved within 24 h of repeating the procedure. There were no complications, and patients remained symptom free at follow-up of 4-23 months (mean, 14 months). CONCLUSION: CT-guided laser photocoagulation of osteoid osteoma is a minimally invasive technique that represents a cost-effective alternative to surgical excision. The Bonopty needle system allows successful penetration of the sclerotic bone surrounding the nidus with manual pressure alone.     

Percutaneous radio-frequency ablation of osteoid osteoma: technique and preliminary results]

PURPOSE: To report our personal experience with the percutaneous technique for in situ destruction of osteoid osteoma using radio-frequency ablation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2000 to January 2001 we performed 16 radio-frequency ablations in 15 patients. All candidates for treatment had previously undergone clinical and radiologic examinations to confirm features typical of osteoid osteoma. After administration of spinal anesthetic, procedures were performed with CT-guidance, using a Kirschner wire introduced into the localized lesion, and a guiding cannula. A hole was first cut into the bone with a cutter, then a few biopsy specimens were obtained with a Jamshidi needle. Finally, we introduced a small radio-frequency electrode into the bone, through the biopsy track. Sufficient current was used to heat the electrode tip to 85-90 degrees C with consequent thermal necrosis of the tissue. The healing was continued for 6 minutes. RESULTS: All patients well tolerated the percutaneous procedure and only 1 underwent a second, successful radio-frequency ablation. In all cases, pain relief was noted to occur very rapidly and all patients could bear full weight on the treated extremity within 24 hours after the procedure. No late complications attributable to the ablation were noted, except for a small eschar next to the puncture site. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that percutaneous ablation is preferred to operative excision because it generally requires shorter hospital stay and is not associated with complications. Furthermore, in our experience, pain relief was noted to occur very rapidly in 100% of cases. In agreement with the literature data, our results show that CT-guided percutaneous radio-frequency ablation can actually replace operative excision in the treatment of osteoid osteoma as it achieves the same clinical outcomes with significantly lower costs.     

Osteoid Osteoma: Experience with Laser- and Radiofrequency-Induced Ablation

The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical outcome of osteoid osteoma treated by thermal ablation after drill opening. A total of 17 patients and 20 procedures were included. All patients had typical clinical features (age, pain) and a typical radiograph showing a nidus. In 5 cases, additional histological specimens were acquired. After drill opening of the osteoid osteoma nidus, 12 thermal ablations were induced by laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) (9F Power-Laser-Set; Somatex, Germany) and 8 ablations by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (RITA; StarBurst, USA). Initial clinical success with pain relief has been achieved in all patients after the first ablation. Three patients had an osteoid osteoma recurrence after 3, 9, and 10 months and were successfully re-treated by thermal ablation. No major complication and one minor complication (sensible defect) were recorded. Thermal ablation is a safe and minimally invasive therapy option for osteoid osteoma. Although the groups are too small for a comparative analysis, we determined no difference between laser- and radiofrequency-induced ablation in clinical outcome after ablation.     

Osteoid osteoma of the femur in a 7-month-old infant treated with radiofrequency ablation

Osteoid osteoma occurs most commonly in children, adolescents, and young adults between the ages of 5 and 30 years. In the preschool age group, it is quite uncommon, accounting for only 3–8% of all osteoid osteoma cases. We report a case of osteoid osteoma in a 7-month-old infant, who presented with decreased use of the right lower extremity due to pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an atypical appearance. A biopsy of the lesion, with histopathological examination, confirmed the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the nidus under computed tomography (CT) guidance was performed. The patient developed a recurrence after 3 months, which was treated with a second RFA. On subsequent follow-up, the infant did not show signs of pain after 1 month. In summary, this case report shows that osteoid osteoma can present in early infancy and can be successfully treated with RFA at this age, however, recurrence after the procedure can occur and close follow-up is recommended.     

Osteoid osteoma in an ex vivo animal model: temperature changes in surrounding soft tissue during CT-guided radiofrequency ablation

PURPOSE: To assess temperature changes in the soft tissue surrounding bone during radiofrequency (RF) ablation of osteoid osteoma in an ex vivo animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intracortical cavities were created in fresh bovine long bone specimens obtained from a slaughterhouse as models for osteoid osteoma. Three groups of three specimens each were defined according to the thickness (1, 3, and 5 mm) of the cortical bone lamella separating the nidus from the periosteum. Three thermocouples were applied to the soft tissue surrounding the bone in defined distances (0, 5, and 10 mm) from the periosteum. Before RF ablation, the thickness of the cortical bone lamella was documented at computed tomography. Specimens were heated in a 37 degrees C basin. As soon as the measured temperature in the cavity of the specimen reached 35 degrees C, RF ablation was performed for 400 seconds, with a target temperature of 95 degrees C. During RF ablation, continuous measurements were performed simultaneously with digital thermometers. No simulation of vessel perfusion was used. The effect of the thickness of residual osseous lamella and the effect of the distance between the thermocouple and the periosteum were tested with an analysis of variance. Post hoc Bonferroni tests were performed. RESULTS: Mean maximum temperatures of 69.1 degrees, 51.3 degrees, and 42.5 degrees C for 1-mm lamella; 59.2 degrees, 46.5 degrees, and 41.1 degrees C for 3-mm lamella; and 50.6 degrees, 44.8 degrees, and 40.0 degrees C for 5-mm lamella were measured 0, 5, and 10 mm, respectively, from the periosteum. Significant temperature differences were shown with analysis of variance and post hoc tests for the three groups of bone lamella thickness and distance (P < .001). CONCLUSION: In the model of osteoid osteoma, the surrounding temperature (soft tissue) during RF ablation was shown to depend on the thickness of the cortical bone lamella and the distance from the periosteum.     

Osteoid osteoma: percutaneous treatment with radiofrequency energy

PURPOSE: To report our experience with technical success, complications, and long-term clinical success of radiofrequency (RF) ablation of osteoid osteoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After needle biopsy, computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous RF ablation was performed with general or spinal anesthesia. With an RF electrode, the lesion was heated to 90 degrees C for 6 minutes. Patient age and sex, lesion size and location, biopsy results, and complications were recorded. Clinical success was assessed at a minimum of 2 years after the procedure. Significance of patient age and sex and lesion location and size as a predictor of biopsy result was tested by means of chi2 analysis. In addition, effects of patient age and sex, lesion location and size, and biopsy results on clinical success were tested with the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: During an 11-year period, 263 patients who were suspected of having osteoid osteoma underwent 271 ablation procedures. All procedures were technically successful. There were two anesthesia-related complications (aspiration, cardiac arrest) and two minor procedure-related complications (cellulitis, sympathetic dystrophy). Results at biopsy were positive in 73% (197 of 271 biopsies). Two-year follow-up data were available for 126 procedures. The other procedures had been performed more recently or the patients could not be contacted. There was complete relief of symptoms after 112 of the 126 procedures (89%). For procedures performed as the initial treatment, the success rate was 91% (107 of 117 procedures). Procedures for recurrent lesions had a significantly lower success rate (six of 10 procedures [60%], P <.001). Clinical outcome was not dependent on biopsy result, patient age or sex, or lesion size or location. CONCLUSION: CT-guided percutaneous RF ablation of osteoid osteoma is a safe and effective technique.     

Percutaneous radiofrequency treatment of osteoid osteoma using cool-tip electrodes

ObjectivesTo report our experience with percutaneous cool-tip radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteomas and to evaluate clinical outcome.Methods and materialForty-one patients with clinically and radiologically suspected osteoid osteoma were seen over a 48-month period (27 males and 14 females with a mean age of 18.7 years; range 5–43 years). Thirty-eight patients were treated by computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation.The procedure was performed under regional or general anaesthesia. After location of the nidus, a 14G-bone biopsy needle is introduced into the nidus. Sampling is performed with a 17G-bone biopsy needle using a coaxial technique. The radiofrequency needle with a 10 mm active tip (cool-tip) is inserted through the biopsy needle and is connected to the radiofrequency generator for 6–8 min.ResultsPrimary success was obtained in 37 patients (97%) with a 100% secondary success rate. All patients are currently pain-free. No major complications occurred. Patients could resume unrestricted normal activity within 24 h.ConclusionsPercutaneous radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteomas is an efficient and safe method that can be considered the procedure of choice for most cases.     

Percutaneous Biopsy and Radiofrequency Ablation of Osteoid Osteoma with Excess Reactive New Bone Formation and Cortical Thickening Using a Battery-Powered Drill for Access: A Technical Note

Purpose

To report our experience with the use of a battery-powered drill in biopsy and radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma with excess reactive new bone formation. The battery-powered drill enables obtaining the sample while drilling.

Materials and Methods

During the last 18 months, 14 patients suffering from painful osteoid osteoma with excess reactive new bone formation underwent CT-guided biopsy and radiofrequency ablation. In order to assess and sample the nidus of the osteoid osteoma, a battery-powered drill was used. Biopsy was performed in all cases. Then, coaxially, a radiofrequency electrode was inserted and ablation was performed with osteoid osteoma protocol. Procedure time (i.e., drilling including local anesthesia), amount of scans, technical and clinical success, and the results of biopsy are reported.

Results

Access to the nidus through the excess reactive new bone formation was feasible in all cases. Median procedure time was 50.5 min. Histologic verification of osteoid osteoma was performed in all cases. Radiofrequency electrode was coaxially inserted within the nidus and ablation was successfully performed in all lesions. Median amount CT scans, performed to control correct positioning of the drill and precise electrode placement within the nidus was 11. There were no complications or material failure reported in our study.

Conclusions

The use of battery-powered drill facilitates access to the osteoid osteoma nidus in cases where excess reactive new bone formation is present. Biopsy needle can be used for channel creation during the access offering at the same time the possibility to extract bone samples.

     

Percutaneous Laser Photocoagulation of Osteoid Osteomas

Osteoid osteoma is a painful benign bone tumor. The curative treatment of this tumor consists of complete surgical or percutaneous excision of the nidus with immediate and dramatic relief of symptoms. Interstitial laser photocoagulation (ILP) is a low-invasive percutaneous technique of thermal destruction (coagulation) of deep-seated tumors elsewhere in the body, using low-power laser energy. The aim of ILP is the local destruction of osteoid osteoma without bone weakening. Twenty-two patients with osteoid osteoma were treated with percutaneous ILP of the nidus under computed tomography guidance. The laser energy was provided by a high-power semiconductor diode laser (805 nm) with a 400-&mgr;m optical fiber. Complete pain relief was obtained in 21 patients. Percutaneous ILP of osteoid osteoma seems to be a promising, simple, precise, and minimally invasive technique as an alternative to traditional surgical and percutaneous ablations.