Cryosurgery/cryoablation in musculoskeletal neoplasms: history and state of the art

The field of cryosurgery began nearly 40 years ago with the open application of liquid nitrogen to ablate tumors. Recent developments in imaging and cryoprobe technology allow for percutaneous ablation of tumors. Computed tomography (CT)-guided cryoablation has particular use in treating musculoskeletal neoplasms because of the ability to image the lethal ice zone around both bone and soft tissue structures. This manuscript will review the development, indications, and results of cryoablation as applied to musculoskeletal neoplasms. This technique holds promise for the treatment of benign conditions as well as the palliation and durable treatment of musculoskeletal metastases; it is not commonly indicated in the curative treatment of primary malignant bone or soft tissue sarcomas.