Percutaneous vertebroplasty [Vertebroplastía percutánea]

Abstract

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a bonecutting needle to percutaneously approach a partially collapsed vertebral body, to inject bone cement with the aim to relief pain, as well as stabilize and reinforce the remaining bone structure. The procedure was initially used to treat aggressive hemangiomas, myeloma and osteolytic metastases, but it is currently employed either in osteoporotic compression fractures refractory to medical therapy or traumatic fractures. It has been reported that percutaneous vertebroplasty is useful to relieve pain, improving mobilization, and to reduce or even eliminate analgesic drugs requirements, improving so the quality of life. Although this is a non-free complications procedure, the appropriate patient selection and a thorough technique could make that the benefits surpass the potential risks.