Vertebral Metastases: Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Thermal Ablation

This article provides a step-by-step guide for minimally invasive percutaneous image-guided thermal ablation for treatment of vertebral metastases. Such interventions have proved safe and effective in management of selected patients with spinal metastases primarily to achieve pain palliation and local tumor control. Particular attention to patient selection guidelines, details of procedure techniques, thermal protection, adequacy of treatment, recognition and management of potential complications, and post-ablation imaging are essential for improved patient outcomes.