Controlled thermal injury of bone. Report of a percutaneous technique using radiofrequency electrode and generator.

Percutaneous ablation of the trigeminal ganglion using radiofrequency energy is an accepted treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. To test the applicability of this system to the percutaneous ablation of bone neoplasms, the authors studied its effects in the normal femurs of four living dogs. Lesions were made of various duration and spaced over time to determine the extent of injury and the natural history of healing. Bone and bone marrow necrosis was limited to a sphere approximately 1 cm in diameter, regardless of the probe size or duration of heating. No complications were encountered. This technique may be useful in the treatment of certain benign neoplasms of bone that are otherwise resected.