Spine metastases are often painful and can impair a patient's ability to lie flat for radiation therapy. However, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can address the bulk of the tumor and provide significant pain relief, enabling the patient to undergo radiation therapy. In this episode of BackTable MSK, musculoskeletal radiologist Dr. Glade Roper discusses his experience with spinal tumor RFA, his role on a multidisciplinary oncology team, and key considerations when planning for ablation.

---

This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Medtronic.

---

SYNPOSIS

Dr. Roper emphasizes that RFA should be viewed as an adjunct to radiation therapy rather than a replacement. He reviews the procedural steps for RFA and explains the basic mechanisms of the device. Additionally, Dr. Roper shares his experience with placing intrathecal pain pumps post-ablation to manage residual pain. Finally, he offers advice on patient and caregiver education, focusing on how to deliver comprehensive, easily understandable information.

---

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

01:57 - Building Relationships with Radiation Oncologists

01:42 - Overview of Bone Tumor Ablation

06:23 - Pre-Procedural Considerations

09:13 - The Role of Pain Pumps

14:04 - Stepwise Patient Education

19:57 - Procedural Technique

---

RESOURCES

OPuS One Study:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33129427/

BackTable VI Ep. 211- Extra-Spinal Augmentation & The Future of Vertebral Augmentation:

https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/211/extraspinal-augmentation-the-future-of-vertebral-augmentation