Radiofrequency ablation as an adjunct to balloon kyphoplasty or percutaneous vertebroplasty for palliation of painful spinal metastases

Evidence on the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation as an adjunct to balloon kyphoplasty or percutaneous vertebroplasty for palliation of painful spinal metastases is adequate to support using this procedure provided that standard arrangements are in place for clinical governance, consent and audit. Find out what standard arrangements mean on the NICE guidance page.

For auditing the outcomes of this procedure, the main efficacy and safety outcomes identified in this guidance can be entered into NICE's audit tool (for use at local discretion).

Patient selection should be done by a multidisciplinary team. The procedure should only be done by clinicians with training and expertise in kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty techniques.