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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2021; 25(06): 795-804
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1740351
Review Article

Radiofrequency Ablation of Spine Metastases: A Clinical and Technical Approach

Steven Yevich
1   Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
Stephen Chen
1   Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
Zeyad Metwalli
1   Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
Joshua Kuban
1   Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
Stephen Lee
1   Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
Peiman Habibollahi
1   Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
Colin J. McCarthy
1   Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
David Irwin
1   Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
Steven Huang
1   Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
Rahul A. Sheth
1   Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Abstract

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an integral component of the multidisciplinary treatment algorithm for both local tumor control and palliation of painful spine metastases. This minimally invasive therapy complements additional treatment strategies, such as pain medications, systemic chemotherapy, surgical resection, and radiotherapy. The location and size of the metastatic lesion dictate preprocedure planning and the technical approach. For example, ablation of lesions along the spinal canal, within the posterior vertebral elements, or with paraspinal soft tissue extension are associated with a higher risk of injury to adjacent spinal nerves. Additional interventions may be indicated in conjunction with RFA. For example, ablation of vertebral body lesions can precipitate new, or exacerbate existing, pathologic vertebral compression fractures that can be prevented with vertebral augmentation. This article reviews the indications, clinical work-up, and technical approach for RFA of spine metastases.

Keywords

radiofrequency - ablation - spine - vertebral


Publication History

Article published online:
22 December 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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