The role and biology of cryosurgery in the treatment of bone tumors

Jacob Bickels*, Isaac Meller, Barry M. Shmookler, Martin M. Malawer

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

The application of liquid nitrogen as a local adjuvant to curettage in the treatment of bone tumors was introduced three decades ago. This technique, termed cryosurgery, was shown to achieve excellent local control in a variety of benign-aggressive and malignant bone tumors. However, early reports showed that cryosurgery was associated with a significant injury to the adjacent rim of bone and soft-tissue, resulting in high rates of fractures and infections. These results reflected an initial failure to appreciate the potentially destructive effects of liquid nitrogen and establish appropriate guidelines for its use. We review the biological effect of cryosurgery on bone, surgical technique, and current indications for its use.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)308-315
Number of pages8
JournalActa Orthopaedica Scandinavica
Volume70
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1999

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