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Radiofrequency ablation of chondroblastoma: long-term clinical and imaging outcomes

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Abstract

Objectives

To investigate the long-term clinical and imaging outcomes of patients with chondroblastoma treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 25 consecutive patients treated with RFA from September 2006 to December 2013. Patients were reviewed within one month of the procedure, then every 3-6 months, and yearly for up to three years. Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at follow-up to monitor recovery. Functional outcome was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society Score (MSTS).

Results

Pre-procedure MRI confirmed osteolytic lesions (size range 1.0-3.3 cm; mean 2.0 cm). Patients reported continued symptomatic improvement at four months review. Serial MRI confirmed progressive resolution of inflammation with fatty consolidation of cavity. 88 % of patients became asymptomatic during the follow up period. Three patients’ (12 %) symptoms returned at 16, 22 and 24 months respectively after RFA. MRI and biopsy confirmed recurrence in these patients. Functional assessment using MSTS score had an average score of 97.5 %. Mean follow up for the study group was 49 months.

Conclusion

RFA is an effective alternative to surgery in the management of chondroblastoma. We recommend a multi-disciplinary approach and RFA should be considered as a first-line treatment. Long-term follow-up is required for timely detection of recurrences.

Key Points

• RFA is a safe and effective technique in the treatment of chondroblastoma.

• Positive outcomes in 88 % patients at mean follow-up period of 49 months.

• Local recurrences occurred in 12 % cases.

• Long-term follow-up is required for timely detection of recurrences.

• RFA should be considered as a first-line treatment for chondroblastoma.

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Acknowledgments

The scientific guarantor of this publication is Dr Steven L. J. James, Department of Radiology, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation Trust, Bristol Road South, Northfield, Birmingham B31 2AP, UK. The authors of this manuscript declare no relationships with any companies, whose products or services may be related to the subject matter of the article. The authors state that this work has not received any funding. No complex statistical methods were necessary for this paper. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. Written informed consent was not required for this study because Institutional Review Board approval for this retrospective service evaluation of outcomes following the procedure did not require written consent for data collection. Approval from the institutional animal care committee was not required because the study did not involve animals. Methodology: retrospective, diagnostic or prognostic study, performed at one institution.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oncology, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation Trust, Bristol Road South, Northfield, Birmingham, B31 2AP, UK

    Cheng Xie & Lee Jeys

  2. Department of Radiology, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation Trust, Bristol Road South, Northfield, Birmingham, B31 2AP, UK

    Steven L. J. James

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  1. Cheng Xie
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  2. Lee Jeys
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Correspondence to Cheng Xie.

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Xie, C., Jeys, L. & James, S.L.J. Radiofrequency ablation of chondroblastoma: long-term clinical and imaging outcomes. Eur Radiol 25, 1127–1134 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3506-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3506-1

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