Image-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for osteoid osteoma: experience from a developing nation

Objective The purpose of this study is to report our experience in using image-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of osteoid osteoma (OO) and the subsequent duration of pain relief over a period of about six years (May 2013-March 2019; 70 months) at a tertiary-care hospital in a developing nation. Methods A retrospective study was performed at the radiology department of Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. All patients who had undergone image-guided percutaneous RFA for OO between May 2013-March 2019 were included. All cases had been performed with CT-guidance under general anesthesia, with an additional local anesthesia injection also administered to the patients. A soloist needle had been used for RFA. The primary success rates, complications, symptom-free intervals, and follow-ups were evaluated. Results In total, 15 patients (11 males, 4 females) of a mean age of 13.93 years (range: 5-25 years; median age: 14.5 years) with OO underwent image-guided percutaneous RFA during a period of 70 months. Eleven lesions were located in the femur, three in the tibia, and one in the humerus. The mean nidus size was 8.1 x 5.73 mm [range: (4.9-11.5) x (3.8-9.1) mm]. All patients were successfully treated and experienced resolution of pain in 2.36 months (range: 1-4 months). During the follow-up period (range: 3-40 months; mean: 13.85 months; median: nine months), none of the patients experienced any relapse or persistent symptoms. No major complications were reported. Conclusion Image-guided percutaneous RFA is a minimally invasive and safe treatment option with high efficiency and a high rate of technical success for the treatment of OO. The risk of recurrence is remote with all patients achieving independent recovery.