Radiofrequency thermoablation (RFA) of a scapula osteolytic metastasis with extended bone continuity solution: pain-relieving and bone-reconstructive effect - Termoablazione con radiofrequenza (RFA) di una metastasi osteolitica con estesa soluzione di continuità ossea: effetto antalgico e osteo-ricostruttivo

Abstract

A high percentage of patients with neoplasm develop osteolytic metastases that, in addition to causing pain, expose them to the risk of fractures and nerve compressions. Standard therapies with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and bisphosphonates are not always effective in controlling pain and the surgical treatment is reserved to patients in fair general conditions and with a long-life expectancy because of its high morbidity and mortality. Opioid medications may also not be well tolerated due to the side effects they cause. Recently, minimally invasive techniques have been introduced to control pain by acting quickly and with few complications. One of the most used is radiofrequency thermoablation (RFA) which, through the introduction of a thermal probe into the bone, causes metastasis necrosis and allows pain control.

Keywords

• Osteolytic metastases
• pain control
• drugs
• thermoablation
• radiofrequency