Radiofrequency Ablation of Osteoid Osteoma with Use of Intraoperative Three-Dimensional Imaging and Surgical Navigation

Computer-navigated, stereotactic navigation for percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteomas: dose comparison and procedure times

PURPOSE

Treatment of medication-refractory osteoid osteoma is typically performed with minimally-invasive percutaneous techniques, such as radiofrequency ablation. Given the typically young age of the population of patients being treated, we sought to assess whether using a 3D CT guidance system reduces the number of required probe repositionings and the number of required CTs to validate probe positioning in order to reduce the radiation dosage to the patient.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 19 patients who underwent procedures at our clinic amounting to a total of 27 ablations between 2012 and 2022. At the time of each procedure, the operating physician made the decision whether or not to use stereotactic navigation assistance. We analyzed the data using a Bayesian approach to elucidate possible differences between procedures conducted with or without navigation.

RESULTS

Our results showed a statistically and clinically-significant administration of, on average, 200 mGy*cm greater radiation dosage to the patient when stereotactic navigation was used to guide RFA probe placement for ablation of osteoid osteomas compared with not using navigation assistance. There was a trend towards requiring one fewer probe repositioning with navigation assistance, however this was not statistically conclusive. There was no difference in the time required to achieve the target probe placement or in total procedure duration whether stereotactic navigation was used or not.

CONCLUSION

When utilizing a 3D-guided stereotactic navigation system, there is likely a learning phase before the potential benefits of such a system are realized. Additional radiation administration to the patient may result from the operator learning to properly use and trust the system. In our case, the data also likely reflect a bias in operator choice to use the navigation system when the lesions are more difficult to correctly target or multiple ablation positions are necessary, while choosing conventional imaging assistance for easily targetable tumors, which may conceal some of the benefit of using the navigation system.

Comparison of arthroscopy versus percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation for the management of intra- and juxta-articular elbow osteoid osteoma: case series and a literature review

BACKGROUND

Today, intra-articular and juxta-articular osteoid osteomas are treated with arthroscopy and radiofrequency thermal ablation. However, for the case of an elbow joint, arguments are made for the use of a minimally invasive technique to be the optimal choice. This study aims to analyse our experiences of arthroscopically treated elbow osteoid osteomas and to compare it with the published results of both techniques.

METHODS

The retrospective study analyses the patients who underwent elbow arthroscopy ablation of an elbow osteoid osteoma at a single institution from January 2014 until March 2020. Clinical and diagnostic features, success and treatment failure rates, complications and tumour recurrence rates were all compared to 13 studies of intra-articular elbow osteoid osteoma arthroscopic ablation and 15 studies involving radiofrequency thermal ablation of intra-articular osteoid osteoma within different joints.

RESULTS

Four males and two females, with a mean age of 19.3 years, were encompassed. All the patients had immediate postoperative pain relief and improved range of motion. No tumour recurrences were observed during a median of 21.7 months. The literature review yielded 86.4% success rate, 68.2% successful biopsies, one minor complication and no recurrences following the arthroscopic ablation of an elbow osteoid osteoma; while radiofrequency thermal ablation of an intra-articular elbow osteoid osteoma yielded 96.3% success rate, 33.3% successful biopsies, no complications and 3.7% recurrence rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results are consistent with the published literature proving that arthroscopic ablation is an efficient method with low treatment failure rates and no recurrences in treating intra- and juxta-articular elbow osteoid osteomas. Advantages of arthroscopic ablation stem from the ability to visualise and safely deal with the lesion and the joint's reactive changes resulting in high biopsy rates, no recurrences and better postoperative elbow's range of motion. Still, the technique selection should be personalised considering the medical expertise of every institution.