Percutaneous polymethylmethacrylate vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures: technical aspects.

PURPOSE To describe a technique for percutaneous vertebroplasty of osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures and to report early results of its use.

METHODS The technique was used over a 3-year period in 29 patients with 47 painful vertebral fractures. The technique involves percutaneous puncture of the involved vertebra(e) via a transpedicular approach followed by injection of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) into the vertebral body.

RESULTS The procedure was technically successful in all patients, with an average injection amount of 7.1 mL PMMA per vertebral body. Two patients sustained single, nondisplaced rib fractures during the procedure; otherwise, no clinically significant complications were noted. Twenty-six patients (90%) reported significant pain relief immediately after treatment.

CONCLUSION Vertebroplasty is a valuable tool in the treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures, providing acute pain relief and early mobilization in appropriate patients.