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Postoperative complications with cryotherapy in bone tumors
Clark Chen1, John Garlich2, Katie Vincent3
1School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Fl 33136, United States.
Journal of Bone Oncology
|April 18, 2017
Summary
Cryosurgery effectively controls bone tumors with a low complication rate of 2.34%. This technique, using liquid nitrogen in bone defects, is a safe adjuvant therapy for benign and malignant bone tumors.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Oncology
- Surgical Innovation
- Cryobiology
Background:
- Cryosurgery is utilized for benign and malignant bone tumors.
- Early cryosurgery methods had high complication rates (25%).
- Improved techniques aim to reduce complications and enhance tumor control.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate postoperative complications of liquid nitrogen cryoablation in bone defects.
- Review current indications and surgical techniques for bone tumor management.
- Assess the efficacy and safety of cryosurgery in bone tumor treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of over 200 patients treated from 1994-2015.
- Analysis of imaging studies for patients with complications.
- Intraoperative soft tissue protection with warm saline and liquid nitrogen cryoablation (pouring/spraying).
Main Results:
- Low overall complication rate of 2.34% (1 fracture, 3 infections, 1 paresthesia).
- Excellent tumor control achieved.
- Bone grafts and cementation incorporated successfully in most patients.
Conclusions:
- Cryoablation is an effective adjuvant therapy for active/aggressive benign bone tumors, with potential for malignant tumors.
- Critical soft tissue protection is essential to prevent complications like skin necrosis.
- Cryotherapy is recommended as an adjuvant treatment before bone grafting or cementation.