Outcomes of embolization of bone tumors in the pelvic and shoulder girdles: Initial experience

Abstract Purpose To assess the effectiveness of transarterial embolization of bone tumors as preoperative technique to reduce blood loss or as a curative method in bone tumors of shoulder and pelvic girdles. Patients and methods The study included 25 patients with different bone tumors which are benign tumors (n = 16) and bone metastasis (n = 9). Their ages ranged from 6 to 65 years. Embolization was a palliative treatment in bone metastasis (n = 9), non-ossifying fibroma (n = 2) and osteoblastoma (n = 1). In patients with ABCs (n = 12) and osteoblastoma (n = 1), the technique was used as a curative method. The effectiveness of the technique was assessed using plain X-ray of the affected region, CT scan, CT angiography. Results In 7 patients operated, reduction of blood loss reached about 400 mL. No perioperative complication or wound complications. Additionally surgery was easier. In the remaining 18 patients tumor regression in (ABCs n = 12, osteoblastoma n = 1) and pain reduction (metastasis n = 5) were detected during the follow up period 1–2 years. Conclusion Preoperative embolization is useful in reduction of intraoperative blood loss in tumors at shoulder and pelvic girdles. The technique is considered curative method in inaccessible lesions of pelvic and shoulder girdles with multiple interlacing vascular anastomosis.