Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 25, 2026
Modeling Osteosarcoma Using Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Patient-derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: June 13, 2018
Minimal invasive intralesional excision of extremity-located osteoid osteomas in children
Bulent Erol1, Mert O Topkar, Abbas Tokyay
1Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Marmara University Hospital, Pendik, Kaynarca, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Minimal invasive intralesional extended curettage effectively treats osteoid osteomas in children, offering rapid pain relief and functional recovery. This technique is suitable for conventional institutions, unlike specialized treatments.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Oncology
- Skeletal Radiology
Background:
- Osteoid osteomas are benign bone tumors causing significant pain in children.
- Current treatments like radiofrequency ablation require specialized centers.
- A need exists for accessible, effective treatments for pediatric osteoid osteomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of minimal invasive intralesional extended curettage for pediatric extremity osteoid osteomas.
- To assess pain relief, functional recovery, and complication rates associated with this technique.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 47 children with extremity osteoid osteomas.
- Preoperative CT-guided localization of the nidus.
- Intralesional extended curettage using a modified burr-down technique.
Main Results:
- Complete nidus excision confirmed histopathologically in all cases.
- Immediate and complete pain relief reported post-surgery (VAS scores reduced from 7.7 to 0.3).
- Rapid functional recovery within 3 weeks, with early mobilization (within 2 days).
- No postoperative complications or recurrences observed during a median 59-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Minimal invasive intralesional extended curettage is a highly successful and safe treatment for pediatric osteoid osteomas.
- The technique offers rapid functional recovery and can be performed in general orthopedic settings.
- It provides a viable alternative to specialized treatments, improving accessibility for pediatric patients.
Abstract:
In this retrospective study, we evaluated the efficiency of minimal invasive intralesional extended curettage in the treatment of osteoid osteomas of the extremities in children. Forty-seven children (29 males, 18 females; mean age 10.5 years; range 4-19 years) with osteoid osteoma of the extremities underwent minimal invasive intralesional extended curettage. The exact localization of the nidus was determined preoperatively by thin-section (1-1.5 mm) computed tomography scans, and complete excision of the nidus was performed using a modified burr-down technique. None of the procedures required bone grafting or internal fixation. The median follow-up duration was 59 months (range, 12-136 months). Histopathological confirmation of osteoid osteoma was achieved in all procedures. All patients experienced immediate and complete relief of lesional pain after surgery. Preoperative (a day before surgery) and postoperative (at the time of discharge) mean visual analogue scale scores, questioning the pain derived from osteoid osteoma, were 7.7±1.2 and 0.3±0.6, respectively, confirming complete removal of the nidus. Early motion of the involved extremities and mobilization of the patients were achieved within 2 days. The children resumed normal function within 3 weeks. Postoperative complication or recurrence was not encountered in any of the patients. Even though percutaneous radiofrequency thermoablation is accepted as the treatment of choice for extraspinal osteoid osteomas, this technique requires a regional reference institution. Minimal invasive intralesional extended curettage can be performed in conventional institutions, even those not specialized in bone tumor surgery, by orthopedic surgeons with high success and low morbidity rates, in addition to rapid functional recovery.
