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Spine metastases: thermal ablation and augmentation

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Abstract

Substantial advances in percutaneous minimally invasive musculoskeletal oncologic interventions including thermal ablation and vertebral augmentation offer a robust armamentarium for interventional radiologists for management of patients with spinal metastases. Such interventions have proved safe and effective in management of selected patients with vertebral metastases. Special attention to procedure techniques including choice of ablation modality, vertebral augmentation technique, and thermal protection is essential for improved patient outcomes. Familiarity with the described interventions and implementation of procedural safety measures will further enhance the role of radiologists in the management of patients with spinal metastases. This article provides a review of the most recent advances in thermal ablation and vertebral augmentation as well as the role of radiologists for treatment of spinal metastases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA

    Anderanik Tomasian

  2. Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA

    Jack W. Jennings

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  1. Anderanik Tomasian
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Correspondence to Jack W. Jennings.

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Conflict of interest

Jack W. Jennings: Stryker, Varian, Boston Scientific, Merit Medical (consultant for all). Anderanik Tomasian declares no competing interests.

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Key points

• Percutaneous minimally invasive thermal ablation and vertebral augmentation offer a robust armamentarium for radiologists for management of patients with spinal metastases.

• The treatment goals of thermal ablation in patients with spinal metastases are to achieve pain palliation and local tumor control, along with cure in patients with oligometastatic disease.

• Implementation of procedural safety factors is critical to minimize potential adverse effects and improve patient outcomes.

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Tomasian, A., Jennings, J.W. Spine metastases: thermal ablation and augmentation. Skeletal Radiol 52, 1921–1928 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-023-04348-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-023-04348-x

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