Osteoid Osteoma

Osteoid osteoma is a benign (non-cancerous) aggressive tumor of bone. It’s commonly seen in the age group of 5 to 20 years. It is seen within the cortex (surface) of the bones. It is characterized by extreme pain in the limb which is more at night. It can affect any bone and any age group of patient.

Exact cause of Osteoid osteoma is unknown. However, it has been linked to genetic mutations.

It is diagnosed with the help of Xray, MRI and a specialized type of CT scan of the bone. There is a classical appearance on xray and CT scan which is known as “Nidus” of osteoid osteoma.

As Osteoid osteoma is a benign tumor, the goal of treatment would be to treat the patient with minimalistic approach. One has to remove the nidus to get rid of this tumor.

Osteoid osteoma is a very small tumor which is usually not visible naked eyes! Hence if it is treated with open surgery, there are chances that the surgeon will leave behind the nidus of the tumor and unnecessarily remove the normal bone!

As a norm, the treatment of osteoid osteoma is done under CT scan guidance. The nidus is located under CT scan and it is then ablated either by burning it (Radiofrequency Ablation) or mechanically (Drilling).

Radio-frequency ablation In a minimally invasive way (single stitch), under CT scan guidance, a thermal probe is inserted inside the nidus and it’s burnt at 90* Celsius temperature for 5 minutes.

CT Guided Drilling In a minimally invasive way (2 -3 stitches), under CT scan guidance, the nidus is located and is drilled with thick drill bits. After the treatment, some patients have to take bed rest for a period upto 6 weeks.

Around 3 to 5%