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Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - British Volume, Vol 86-B, Issue 5,
714-718.
doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.86B5.14416 Copyright © 2004 by British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery Closed argon-based cryoablation of bone tumoursJ. Bickels, MD, Attending Surgeon1; Y. Kollender, MD, Attending Surgeon1; O. Merimsky, MD, Professor2; J. Isaakov, MD, Attending Pathologist3; R. Petyan-Brand, MPH, Head of Orthopaedic Oncology Surgical Nursing Team1; and I. Meller, MD, Professor, Head1
1 The National Unit of Orthopaedic Oncology Correspondence should be sent to Professor I. Meller. We report our experience with a new technique for cryosurgical ablation of bone tumours which allows accurate determination of the temperature and freezing time within a cavity of any geometrical shape. Between 1997 and 2000, 58 patients diagnosed with 13 malignant and 45 aggressive benign bone tumours underwent argon-based cryoablation. This technique includes removal of the tumour by curettage and filling the cavity with a gel medium into which metal probes are inserted. Argon gas is delivered through the metal probes and both time and temperature are computer-controlled. After formal reconstruction, all patients were followed for more than two years. None had skin necrosis, infection, neurapraxia or thromboembolic complication. Fractures occurred in two patients (3.4%) and the tumour recurred in two patients (3.4%).
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