Vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: patient selection and perspectives

Abstract

Konstantinos Martikos, Tiziana Greggi, Francesco Vommaro, Luca Boriani, Antonio Scarale, Paola Zarantonello, Giuseppe Carbone, Stefano Stallone, Riccardo ZucchiniSpine Deformities Surgery Division, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna 40136, ItalyAbstract: Osteoporotic vertebral fractures represent a constantly increasing pathology that may compromise life quality and general health. Among various treatment options, percutaneous vertebroplasty has been used widely over the past 20 years. Although there is a vast amount of retrospective reports in the literature, high-level evidence has emerged only recently. In this paper, the authors provide a synopsis of the current literature on the efficacy and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty while also presenting a step-by-step description of the surgical procedure, focusing on details that may help in optimizing quality and safety.Keywords: percutaneous vertebroplasty, vertebral compression fractures, osteoporosis, PMMA

Keywords

• Vertebral compression fractures
• percutaneous vertebroplasty
• osteoporosis
• PMMA.