CT evaluation pre- and post-percutaneous ablation by radiofrequency of osteoid osteoma. Preliminary experience.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of bone remanagement after treatment by thermoablation of osteoid osteoma (OO) by CT scan. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Nine cases of OO (8 in the limbs, 1 in the pelvis) following biopsy were treated by CT-guided thermoablation. Clinical results, complications, density of tissues treated by CT scan (pre-postop, 6, 12 months) are evaluated. RESULTS: Absence of complications, regression of pain over 2 weeks, resumption of sports activity in 1 month. Bone density after treatment increases but even after 1 year it is much lower than normal levels. CONCLUSIONS: Bone remodeling after thermoablation of OO requires much time, the process is still visible 12 months later by CT scan. CT scan is an adequate method, not only for diagnosis and treatment, but also for follow-up, capable of evaluating in time the changes in density of the site of the lesion, which is useful for a comparison in case of postoperative pain of doubtful origin.