Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The study reports the efficacy of sequential instillations of intralesional percutaneous polidocanol in the treatment of skeletal ABC. The study also analyses the pain relief, recurrence, radiological outcome and complications after percutaneous sclerotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 43 patients with ABC were managed by fluoroscopy assisted percutaneous intralesional sclerotherapy with 3% Injection Polidocanol under suitable anaesthesia. The pain relief was assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the progressive healing of the lesion by Rastogi Classification. Patients were evaluated clinico-radiologically, pre-operatively and at monthly interval for the first three months and then at 6 months, one year and two years follow up. RESULT: The VAS score decreased significantly at six months follow up and was zero (No pain) at one year follow up. Out of 43 patients, 37 patients had Degree I (excellent) residual lesion and 6 patients had degree II (good) lesion at one year follow-up as per Rastogi classification. The lesions resolved completely by two-year follow-up with all 43 patients having Degree (excellent) I resolution. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the efficacy of percutaneous intralesional polidocanol in the treatment of ABC's. The procedure is safe, simple and effective with excellent outcome. Sclerotherapy is highly beneficial for deep lesions which are difficult to assess and for comorbid patients who are medically unfit for surgery. Our study strongly advocates the use of sclerotherapy as the first line treatment for ABC, considering its clinical and radiological efficacy.