Pre-Spondylectomy Radiofrequency Ablation for Spinal Chordoma: An Illustrative Case and Systematic Review of Clinical Applications and Outcomes.
Holden Husbands, Drake Johnston, Matthan Tharakan et al.
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Case in brief
A patient with an L4 chordoma underwent CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) followed by vertebroplasty as a pre-spondylectomy adjunct. This approach aimed to reduce tumor burden before a staged en bloc resection. At 18 months post-procedure, the patient did not experience any new neurologic deficits or local recurrence, indicating a successful short-term outcome.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Radiofrequency ablation can be a feasible adjunct to en bloc resection in selected cases of spinal chordoma, potentially improving outcomes without increasing morbidity.
Why it matters
This case highlights the potential role of thermal ablation techniques in the management of chordomas, emphasizing the need for careful patient selection and multidisciplinary approaches.