Percutaneous transpedicular vertebroplasty with PMMA: operative technique and early results - A prospective study for the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures

Vertebroplasty-percutaneous cement augmentation of osteoporotic vertebrae i s an efficient procedure for the treatment of painful vertebral fractures. From a prospectively monitored series of 70 patients with 193 augmented ver tebrae for osteoporotic and metastatic lesions, we analysed a group of 17 p atients suffering from back pain due to osteoporotic fractures. The reinfor cement of 45 vertebral bodies in these patients led to a significant and la sting pain reduction (P < 0.01). The presented technique is useful, as, in one session, at least four injections can be performed when required, allow ing the prophylactic reinforcement of adjacent vertebrae as well. The use o f a low-viscosity polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in combination with a non- ionic liquid contrast dye provides a reliable and safe procedure. Extraosse ous cement leakage was seen in 20% of the interventions; however, none of t hem had clinical sequelae.