CT-guided percutaneous vertebroplasty in the therapy of vertebral compression fractures

Eur Radiol. 2006 Apr;16(4):797-803. doi: 10.1007/s00330-005-0021-4. Epub 2005 Dec 7.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of CT-guided percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures. The primary objectives were pain reduction and bone-cement leakage during a long-term follow-up in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. CT-guided percutaneous vertebroplasty was carried out in 61 patients (mean age 71.4 years; range 42-83; female ratio: 73.8%) with vertebral compression fractures. Treatment was carried out on an outpatient basis. Pain, bone-cement leakage and complications were monitored and recorded. The mean follow-up time was 19.8 months (range 3-52). Paired comparison procedures were used for the analysis of the results, which showed that all patients had a significant reduction of pain. The mean visual-analogue scale (VAS) before treatment was 8.8 points (range 6.5-9.8 points). The mean VAS score after treatment was significantly reduced to 2.6 points (range 1.5-4.1 points; p<0.01). No clinical or neurological complications were documented. Minor and asymptomatic bone-cement leakage was observed in 54% of the cases. Percutaneous vertebroplasty is an efficient and safe interventional procedure which rapidly improves the mobility and quality of life of patients with vertebral compression fractures. CT-guidance is a reasonable upgrade in the treatment procedure which reduces the amount of bone-cement leakage.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Back Pain / etiology
  • Back Pain / prevention & control
  • Bone Cements / therapeutic use
  • Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Fractures, Compression / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Compression / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Measurement
  • Radiography, Interventional*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spinal Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Fractures / surgery*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Bone Cements