Treatment of a spinal aneurysmal bone cyst using combined image-guided cryoablation and cementoplasty

Skeletal Radiol. 2015 Feb;44(2):285-9. doi: 10.1007/s00256-014-1967-6. Epub 2014 Aug 5.

Abstract

The authors describe the case of a 6.6-cm symptomatic spinal aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) in a 17-year-old athlete treated percutaneously. Surgical treatment was not considered as the first option owing to its invasiveness and associated morbidity. CT-guided cryoablation of the expansile part of the ABC was performed for tumour shrinkage and nerve decompression. Thermal insulation, temperature monitoring and functional control/electrostimulation of the neural structures at risk were applied. Finally, the bony defect was cemented. No complications occurred during the procedure. Complete resolution of the ABC on imaging and clinical improvement were achieved. Percutaneous cryoablation should be considered as an alternative treatment option, especially when tumour size reduction is desired.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bone Cements / therapeutic use
  • Bone Cysts, Aneurysmal / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Cysts, Aneurysmal / surgery*
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Cryosurgery / methods*
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Male
  • Spinal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Diseases / surgery*
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vertebroplasty / methods*

Substances

  • Bone Cements