Osteoid osteoma in older adults: clinical success rate of percutaneous image-guided thermal ablation

Abstract

Aim: To assess the clinical success rate of percutaneous radiofrequency and laser ablation of osteoid osteomas in older adults.

Materials and methods: Percutaneous radiofrequency or laser ablation was performed in 43 patients (35 years and older) with osteoid osteoma to achieve definitive cure in this retrospective study. The clinical success rate was defined as complete pain relief determined by numeric rating scale (NRS) scores (pre-procedural and post-procedural at 1-week, 6-week, and 2-year intervals). Tumour characteristics, technical success, procedural details, biopsy results, and complications were documented.

Results: Forty-four osteoid osteomas were ablated in 43 patients, and all procedures were technically successful. The clinical success rates were 95.2% (41/43), 93% (40/43), and 93.2% (41/44) at 1-week, 6-week, and 2-year post-procedural intervals. The acute complication rate was 2.3% (1/44; meningeal perforation following epidural anaesthesia). No delayed complication was documented.

Conclusion: Osteoid osteomas are not unique to the paediatric and young population, and safe and effective definitive treatment of these benign tumours in older adults can be achieved by percutaneous radiofrequency and laser ablation with excellent patient outcomes.