Evaluation and outcome of percutaneous vertebroplasty for multilevel osteoporotic and malignant vertebral fractures (more than two)

Abstract

Background: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) is now a popular technique used to augment and stabilize the vertebral body fracture and to reduce pain as well. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the outcome of percutaneous vertebroplasty of multilevel osteoporotic and malignant fractures (more than two). Study design: This is a retrospective clinical case series study. Patients and methods: This study was conducted on 30 patients with multilevel osteoporotic and malignant compression fractures (more than two). Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the functional outcome. All patients were treated using percutaneous vertebroplasty. They were followed for 6 months postoperatively. Results: The functional state of all patients improved after percutaneous vertebroplasty. According to the visual analogue scale (VAS), the preoperative VAS score was (8.43 ± 1.19). Immediate postoperative VAS was (3.07 ± 1.20) and after six months it dropped to (1.13 ± 0.67). There was a significant improvement of pain (p < 0.001). Asymptomatic leakage in the disc space was reported in two patients. A single case of pulmonary embolism was reported who complained of dyspnea. This patient was admitted to ICU and managed with proper medications with satisfactory results. Conclusions: Multilevel PV is proved to be a safe, cost effective and successful procedure that could reduce pain significantly and improve patient’s mobility.

Keywords

• Percutaneous vertebroplasty
• Bone cement
• Osteoporotic fractures
• Malignant fractures
• Polymethyl methacrylate