Long-term efficacy of percutaneous drill-biopsy under computed tomography guidance of osteoid osteomas of the hip and femur. A review of seven cases

En bine surgical excision of osteoid osteomas of the hip and femur is difficult because of problems with tumor boundary identification and the need to use internal fixation or bone grafting. We report our experience with seven cases treated by percutaneous drill-biopsy under computed tomography guidance. Patients. Six adults and one child with a mean age of 22 years treated since 1995. All seven patients reported insomnia due to pain during a mean of 10 months, improved by aspirin or other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents. The tumor was seen on plain radiographs in four cases and on computed tomography scans in all seven cases. Magnetic resonance imaging was diagnostic in only two cases. The tumor was in the femoral neck in four patients, in the acetabulum in one, in the proximal femur in one, and at the distal diaphyseal-metaphyseal junction of the femur in one. Method. A trephine was used to remove the tumor under computed tomography guidance during a short general anesthesia. Results. No serious complications were recorded. Full weight bearing was allowed starting at the forty-lighth hour in six of the seven patients. immediate pain relief and a full recovery were obtained in every case. Results were excellent in four patients and goad in three after a follow-up of 14 to 44 months. Conclusion. Percutaneous drill-biopsy of osteoid osteomas is a valuable alternative to conventional surgery in patients with tumors at sites that are difficult to access. The technique allows early weight bearing and ensures a full recovery. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.