Percutaneous radiofrequency treatment of osteoid osteoma using cool-tip electrodes

To report our experience with percutaneous cool-tip radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteomas and to evaluate clinical outcome.

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.

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.

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteomas is an efficient and safe method that can be considered the procedure of choice for most cases.