Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for osteoid osteoma: experience with a new treatment

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for osteoid osteoma. PARTICIPANTS, DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective review of 24 patients with osteoid osteoma treated with percutaneous RFA at St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, from August 2000 to February 2005. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Initial response to treatment, return of symptoms, time to recurrence, complications and histopathological correlation. RESULTS: In 23 of 24 patients, there was immediate relief of symptoms. One-third of patients had a return of symptoms. The 24 patients underwent a total of 32 RFA procedures. Of the eight patients who had a recurrence, five had an initial lesion > or = 10 mm in maximum diameter. Twenty-three of the 24 patients were pain-free at the end of the study period. Patients were followed up for a median of 26 months. There were no long-term complications. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous RFA is a safe and efficacious treatment for osteoid osteoma with a low morbidity rate. Despite recurrence after treatment, re-treatment is simple and effective.