Vertebroplasty in Osteoporotic Fracture of Dorsolumbar Spine

Abstract

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is an emerging interventional technique in which surgical PMMA is injected via a large bore needle into a vertebral body under imaging guidance. This technique provides increased strength and pain relief in vertebrae weakened by a variety of bone diseases. The current indication for vertebroplasty is intractable non-radicular pain caused by compression fractures due to osteoporosis, myeloma, metastases and aggressive vertebral haemangioma. Contraindications include bleeding disorder, unstable fracture and lack of definable vertebral collapse. The aim of the study: To evaluate the technique & the results of percutaneous vertebroplasty in the management of dorsolumbar spine osteoporotic fractures. CONCLUSION: Vertebroplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral collapse, vertebral haemangiomas & painful spinal metastases is a minimally invasive procedure that provides immediate pain relief and enables the patient to become quickly mobile. Vertebroplasty appears to be safe and results in substantial immediate pain reduction and improved functional status (avoiding complications of prolonged immobilization, the potential adverse effect of strong analgesics such as opiates to which elderly people are particularly suspected. Also NSAIDS have significant toxicity). Most practitioners would agree that the primary goal of vertebroplasty is to reduce or alleviate the acute symptoms associated with painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.