Intraosseous needle for management of subacute and chronic subdural hematoma

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using an intraosseous (IO) needle for decompressive management of subacute and chronic subdural hematomas (SDHs). METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective review of subacute and chronic SDHs treated with IO needle decompression from May 2022 to November 2023. Technical success, recurrence, procedure-related complications, major adverse events, patient demographics, and procedural details were analyzed using standard statistical analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (mean age 75.4 [SD 11.4] years) met the inclusion criteria. Technical success was achieved in all patients, with only 1 case of recurrence. Rates of procedure-related complications (3/51, 5.9%) and major adverse events (2/51, 4%) were low. There were no statistically significant differences between those with subacute SDHs compared with those with chronic SDHs. CONCLUSIONS: IO needle decompression is a feasible, safe, and effective option for management of subacute and chronic SDHs, with minimal recurrence.