What makes CT guided radiofrequency ablation for osteoid osteoma superior to open surgery in terms of pain control and patient’s quality of life?

PurposeTo demonstrate our experience in percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a minimally invasive therapy for patients with osteoid osteoma.Patients and methodsWe will highlight cases of osteoid osteoma treated by minimally invasive therapy (RFA) and the role of image guidance in making the procedure rapid outpatient service instead of hospitalization and morbidity of open surgery. This will include 15 patients (10 males & 5-females) aged 12–35 years, (mean 20), their clinical and radiological diagnosis was osteoid osteoma. All patients were treated by CT guided percutaneous RFA under spinal and epidural anesthesia.Results14 (93.3%) of the 15-patients had prompt improvement of clinical symptoms and pain relief, one patient underwent second session of re-ablation. The mean follow-up period was 12 months and no patient had pain recurrence.ConclusionPercutaneous RFA is a safe and effective minimally invasive outpatient treatment for osteoid osteoma with low cost, low morbidity, better quality of life when compared with open surgery.