Is Intraoperative CT Navigation feasible for excision of osteoid osteoma in the appendicular skeleton? - Retrospective analysis of 58 cases

Background: The use of intraoperative CT navigation to manage osteoid osteoma is not common. We report our experience managing osteoid osteoma in the appendicular skeleton using an intraoperative AIRO CT navigation system. Materials & methods: Between May 2013 and December 2022, 59 patients underwent Navigation-assisted excision of osteoid osteoma in the appendicular skeleton. Our primary study outcome was to assess for recurrence of the tumour with recurrence of symptoms. For our secondary outcomes, we evaluated the complications associated with the procedure and evaluated the histological slides of all patients to see for the presence of nidus. Results: Of the 58 patients available for review, no patient had a lesion recurrence, and all were symptom-free at an average follow-up of 45.6 months (6-100). Two patients (3.5%) had a superficial infection managed conservatively, and 43 patients (74.1%) had the presence of nidus in curetted samples. No patient developed a pathological fracture after the procedure. Conclusion: Using intraoperative CT navigation to manage osteoid osteoma in the appendicular skeleton is safe, minimally invasive, and effective in completely removing the nidus with a negligible complication rate. The absence of nidus on histology should not be a concern to clinicians once thorough burring and verification of excision of nidus has been confirmed intra-operatively. Study design: Retrospective Case Series. Level of evidence: Level IV.

Automated summary

This study retrospectively summarized the experience of using intraoperative CT navigation system for managing osteoid osteoma in the appendicular skeleton. The results show that intraoperative CT navigation is safe and effective in completely removing the nidus with a negligible complication rate.