Clinicoradiological Outcomes after Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Benign Bone Tumors: A Prospective Observational Study

Introduction: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of benign bone tumors, offering pain relief and lesion control with minimal morbidity. However, prospective Indian data on clinicoradiological outcomes remain sparse. This study aimed to evaluate pain reduction, functional recovery, and radiological healing following RFA in benign bone tumors. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 25 patients with symptomatic benign bone tumors who underwent percutaneous RFA under spinal anesthesia between 2017 and 2020. RFA was performed under C-arm or computed tomography (CT) guidance. Pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional outcome through the musculoskeletal tumor society (MSTS) score at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months. Imaging follow-up with X-ray, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluated lesion size and marrow edema. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The mean pre-procedural VAS score was 7.44 ± 0.3, which reduced to 0.68 at 6 months (P < 0.05). MSTS scores improved from a baseline of 28.73-35 (maximum) by the 3rd week and remained stable thereafter. Radiologically, the mean lesion diameter decreased from 1.67 cm to 0.95 cm at 3 months (P = 0.005). Complete lesion resolution on CT was observed in 83.3% at 6 months and 95.8% at 9 months. MRI demonstrated resolution of marrow edema in 96% of cases. Minor complications included two superficial burns and one recurrence requiring surgical curettage. There were no infections, fractures, or significant adverse events. Conclusion: RFA is a safe and effective outpatient procedure for benign bone tumors, providing rapid and sustained pain relief, excellent functional outcomes, and high rates of radiological resolution. These results affirm RFA as a valuable alternative to surgical excision in appropriately selected cases. Larger studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore long-term outcomes.