Purpose: To investigate effects and heat distribution of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on vertebral tumors in vitro and in vivo swine experiments and its clinical application. Materials and methods: RFA was performed on the swine spine in vitro and in vivo for 20 min at 90 degrees C at the electrode tip, and the temperature at the electrode tip and surrounding tissues were recorded. Clinical application of ablation combined with vertebroplasty was subsequently performed in 4 patients with spinal tumors. Results: In the in vitro study, the mean temperature at the front and ventral wall of the spinal canal was 50.8 degrees C and 43.6 degrees C, respectively, at 20 mm significantly greater than 37.7 degrees C and 33.7 +/- 1.7 degrees C, respectively, at 10 mm ablation depth. The coagulative necrosis area was significantly (P < 0.0001) greater at 20 mm depth than at 10 mm depth (mean 17.0 x 20.7 mm(2) vs. 14.2 x 16.6 mm(2)). In the in vivo experiment, the local temperature increased significantly (P < 0.05) from around 36 degrees C before ablation to over 41 degrees C at 20 min after ablation, with the temperature at the electrode tip (90.4 degrees C) and within the vertebral body (67.0 degrees C) significantly (P < 0.05) greater than at the posterior (41.9 degrees C) and lateral wall (41.8 degrees C). From 2 to 5 weeks, bone remodeling began. Clinically, all four patients had successful RFA and vertebroplasty, with no neurological deficits. The pain scores were significanity (P < 0.05) improved before (4.5-10, mean 8.0) compared with at four weeks (0-1.8, mean 1.8). Conclusion: The clustered electrode can be efficiently and safely applied in the treatment of spinal tumors without damaging the spinal cord and adjacent nerves by heat distribution.