CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of painful intra-articular osteoid osteoma in children: Is there a concern for cartilage damage?

• Published in: Radiologia medica 2023-08, Vol.128 (8), p.999-1006
• Main Authors: Balbaa, Mostafa Farouk, Spinelli, Maria Silvia, Arrigoni, Francesco, Eid, Mohamed Emad-Eldin, Kotb, Hesham Taha, El Shafei, Mohamed, Gallazzi, Mauro Battista, Daolio, Primo Andrea, Barile, Antonio, Carrafiello, Gianpaolo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ablation; Anesthesia; Children; Computed tomography; Damage assessment; Diagnostic Radiology; Imaging; Interventional Radiology; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Musculoskeletal Radiology; Neuroradiology; Radio frequency; Radiology; Success; Ultrasound
• ISSN: 1826-6983; 0033-8362; 1826-6983
• DOI: 10.1007/s11547-023-01661-2

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of computed tomography-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) in the management of uncommon and technically challenging intra-articular osteoid osteoma in children. Material and methods From December 2018 to September 2022, 16 children with intra-articular osteoid osteoma, including ten boys and six girls, were treated at two tertiary centers with percutaneous CT-guided RF ablation using a straight monopolar electrode. The procedures were carried out under general anesthesia. Post-procedural clinical outcomes and adverse events were assessed through clinical follow-up. Results Technical success was achieved in all of the participating patients. Clinical success with relief of symptomatology throughout the period of follow-up was achieved in 100% of the patients. No persistence or recurrence of pain occurred during the follow-up period. No immediate or delayed adverse effects were observed. Conclusion PRFA is shown to be technically feasible. Clinical improvement can be achieved with a high rate of success in the treatment of children with difficult-to-treat intra-articular osteoid osteomas.