Gamma probe localization in the surgical treatment of osteoid osteoma.

Background: Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone tumor typically inducing night pain. It has traditionally been treated with operative excision. An accurate localization and complete removal of the small lesion is difficult resulting in high recurrence rate and reoperations.
Aims: The purpose of the present study was to examine the applicability of a hand-held gamma probe in the intraoperative localization of an osteoid osteoma.
Material and Methods: Five patients were examined and operated for osteoid osteoma. Dose of 740 MBq Technetium 99m was injected 3 hours before operation, and hand-held gamma probe was used for the intraoperative detection of the lesion.
Results: All patients were relieved their symptoms. A histologically confirmed, complete removal of the lesion was achieved in 4 of 5 patients. No recurrences has been seen in the follow-up of 6 years.
Conclusions: The gamma probe is an useful tool in the surgical treatment of osteoid osteoma. The technique is rapid and simple resulting in more accurate excision of the small lesion.