CT guided radiofrequency ablation of intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the hip.

Background: Osteoid osteoma is a painful benign bone tumour. Previously the standard therapy was surgical excision. Image guided radiofrequency ablation can be clinically applied to ablate the tumour in a minimally invasive manner.

Objective: We present a case of an 18-year-old boy who presented with features of chronic left hip arthropathy secondary to intra-articular osteoid osteoma, subsequently successfully treated by percutaneous CT guided radiofrequency ablation.

Results: The CT guided radiofrequency ablation was technically successful as a day case procedure without complication. The patient returned to normal function within one week. No recurrence occurred in the three-year follow-up period.

Conclusions: Radiofrequency ablation is a safe, minimally invasive and effective technique for treatment of osteoid osteoma.