We describe the technique of percutaneous vertebroplasty using methyl
methacrylate. We injected under the guidance of CT and fluoroscopy a g
roup of 10 patients with back pain caused by a variety of vertebral le
sions including severe osteoporosis (n = 4), hemangiomas (n = 5) and m
etastasis (n = 1). Over varying periods of follow-up (ranging from 4 t
o 17 months) none of the injected vertebral bodies demonstrated compre
ssion. All patients had relief of back pain; none had complications re
lated to the technique. We emphasize that the efficacy of this techniq
ue in preventing vertebral collapse could not be evaluated in this sma
ll sample; a well-controlled study would be required to determine the
proper indications efficacy of this treatment.