A simple method for percutaneous resection of osteoid osteoma

Objectives: To introduce a method that can be performed with minimal equipments available to most orthopedic surgeons and precludes the extensive anesthetic and ablative requirements. Methods: A percutaneous lead tunnel was first established in the cortex next to the nidus under computerized tomography guidance with local anesthesia; then the nidus was curetted in the operating room through the lead tunnel. The study was performed in Shariati Hospital in Tehran, Iran, from September 2002 to December 2005. Results: Nineteen patients were treated with this method with 94.7% cure rate. The diagnosis was histologically confirmed in 16 cases (84.2%). Failure occurred in one patient. the patients had a mean follow-up of 13.5 months with no recurrence of symptoms with mean hospitalization time of 1.6 days. Conclusion: This technique is simple, minimally invasive and effective. It needs no especial equipments and provides the material for tissue diagnosis.