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.