Edwin Van Der Linden MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Lucia J.M. Kroft MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

P.D.S. Dijkstra MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To determine the feasibility and effect of spinal tumor treatment with posterior wall defect by combined radiofrequency (RF) ablation and vertebroplasty, for pain reduction in patients who are unable to benefit from other treatment methods.

Twelve patients with painful spinal tumors by whom medical treatment together with radiation therapy and / or chemotherapy had failed were treated with RF ablation combined with vertebroplasty. All patients signed informed consent. Procedures were performed using Multi-slice CT- fluoroscopy and lateral c-arm fluoroscopic guidance. Measured was the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score before and after treatment. Patient VAS satisfaction score was also measured. The VAS score range was 0-20. Analgesic use and complications were monitored. Paired t-test was used for statistical analysis of pain score.

Combined RF ablation and vertebroplasty treatment was technically successful in all patients. Ten out of 12 patients had lytic posterior wall destruction of the vertebra being treated. Two patients had a posterior wall fracture. Pain significantly decreased after treatment: the mean VAS pain score before treatment was 17.33 (sd 2.46), versus 9.25 (sd 4.81) one week after treatment, (P < 0.001), and was 7.00 (sd 5.26) three months after treatment (P = 0.020). Patients' satisfaction was high in 11 patients and the VAS score of these 11 patients varied between 15 and 20 (mean 15.83, sd 4.26). There was a reduction of analgesic use after four weeks follow up. No treatment related complications occurred.

RF ablation in combination with vertebroplasty for treating spinal tumors with posterior wall defect appears safe, and reduces pain substantially in patients who are not able to benefit from other treatment methods.

Patients with painful vertebral tumors in whom radiation- / chemotherapy had failed can be treated with palliative RF ablation combined with vertebroplasty even with lytic posterior wall destruction.

Van Der Linden, E, Kroft, L, Dijkstra, P, Image-guided Radiofrequency Ablation Combined with Vertebroplasty: Spinal Tumor Treatment in 12 Patients with Posterior Wall Defects of the Vertebral Body.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4431313.html