CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of spinal osteoid osteomas with concomitant perineural and epidural irrigation for neuroprotection

Eur Radiol. 2009 Sep;19(9):2238-43. doi: 10.1007/s00330-009-1404-8. Epub 2009 Apr 22.

Abstract

Here we report our experience of a neuroprotective adaptation of the technique of CT-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation of spinal osteoid osteomas. Over 9 years seven patients underwent eight CT-guided RF treatments for osteoid osteoma. CT-guided RF ablation was performed with general anaesthesia. The lesion was heated to 90 degrees C for 2 min for two cycles by using a Cosman SMK TC-10 RF electrode. This was preceded by a bolus of room temperature sterile water (10 ml) injected through a 26G curved spinal needle into the exit foramen and adjacent epidural space for neuroprotection. The age of the patient, sex, lesion location, biopsy results and complications were recorded. All the biopsies (n = 7) demonstrated histological features of osteoid osteoma. All the procedures were technically successful. Clinical success was assessed up to 3 years post procedure. There was an 85% clinical success rate (6 of the 7 patients), with recurrence of a lesion at 6 months, necessitating a repeat procedure (successful). CT-guided percutaneous RF ablation of spinal osteoid osteoma preceded by bolus of sterile water, injected through a spinal needle into the exit foramen and adjacent epidural space for neuroprotection, is a safe and effective procedure.

MeSH terms

  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Epidural Space
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Osteoma, Osteoid / diagnostic imaging*
  • Osteoma, Osteoid / therapy*
  • Radiography
  • Spinal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Therapeutic Irrigation / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome