Comparison of radiofrequency ablation and curettage in osteoid osteoma in children

Abstract

Objective: Osteoid osteoma, which is observed in the adolescent and young adult population as benign bone tumors, appears as a single nidus with a diameter < 2 cm and is treated with open surgery. However, technological advances in medicine have made it possible to apply less invasive procedures in surgery. Methods: Between 2006-2014, 24 patients < 18 years of age were treated for osteoid osteoma. Patient demographic data, surgical data, complications, and recurrences were noted. Results: Twenty-four patients (mean age, 11 [2-18] years) were treated and followed up for a mean 3.58 (range, 1-9) years. Mean patient age in the curettage group was 12.1 (range, 3-18) years. Mean operation length was 69.5 (range, 60-120) minutes. Mean hospital stay was 1.3 (range, 0-2) days. Mean patient age in the radiofrequency ablation (RFA) group was 10.7 (range, 2-17) years. Five patients were female and 8 were male. Mean operation length was 49.6 (range, 20-90) minutes. Mean hospital stay was 0.3 (range, 0-1) days. Mean follow-up time was 1.76 (range, 1-4) years. Mean operation length, hospital stay, and follow-up were significantly shorter in the RFA group. Conclusions: Considering reduced costs due to shorter hospitalization periods and the ability to reach anatomically difficult locations, percutaneous procedures are likely to replace the conventional open approach. Level of evidence: II, retrospective study.