Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma with cooled radiofrequency probes and impedance control energy delivery from a 200-W generator. We also compared the outcome to published data for therapy with a 5-mm noncooled probe and temperature-controlled short-duration therapy protocols.
Subjects and methods: Radiofrequency ablation was performed on 11 patients with a clinical and radiologic diagnosis of osteoid osteoma. A cooled radiofrequency probe was introduced into the lesion under CT guidance. Twelve minutes of radiofrequency energy was delivered from a 200-W generator under impedance control. Postprocedural pain, function, and satisfaction were evaluated by means of an interview and questionnaire.
Results: All procedures were technically successful. No serious complication occurred. Postoperative pain was scored at a mean of 6.9 +/- 3.06 (95% confidence interval) on a numeric rating scale. Postoperative pain was rated as similar to night pain. By 1 week after therapy, all patients had resolution of pain and returned to normal activity. There was no recurrence during the follow-up period (range, 6-27 months; mean, 14.4 months). Patients rated their satisfaction as high.
Conclusion: Radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma with a high-energy delivery technique is safe and has a high success rate. When compared with patients in a published series using 5-mm probes and manual energy control from lower-output generators, our cohort showed increased postoperative pain scores and an increased interval to symptom resolution.