Extrapedicular approach of percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of upper and mid-thoracic vertebral compression fracture

• Published in: Acta radiologica (1987) Vol. 46; no. 3; p. 280
• Main Authors: Han, K R, Kim, C, Eun, J S, Chung, Y S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.05.2005
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Back Pain - surgery; Bone Cements - adverse effects; Bone Cements - therapeutic use; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Injections, Spinal - methods; Male; Middle Aged; Movement - drug effects; Orthopedic Procedures - adverse effects; Orthopedic Procedures - methods; Pain Measurement - methods; Polymethyl Methacrylate - adverse effects; Polymethyl Methacrylate - therapeutic use; Spinal Fractures - surgery; Thoracic Vertebrae - surgery; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0284-1851
• DOI: 10.1080/02841850510021058

To evaluate the clinical outcome of the extrapedicular approach of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for upper and mid-thoracic vertebral compression fractures in patients. Extrapedicular vertebroplasty was performed in painful compression fractures at T4-T8 levels. The assessment criteria were changes over time in visual analog scale (VAS) and mobility score. We evaluated the volume of cement injected, the size of needle required, and complications. Procedures were performed in 27 patients with a total of 34 affected vertebral bodies. Early (within a week) and one year later, clinical follow-ups showed that pain intensity had decreased by 50% one day after operation and later by 70-80%. Mobility scores of all patients were improved immediately after the procedure. Average volume of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) per vertebral body was 3.8 +/- 1.2 ml. Leakage of PMMA occurred in one vertebral level (intradiskal space), but did not cause clinical complications. PVP of upper and mid-thoracic spine with an extrapedicular approach is an efficient and safe procedure for treating painful thoracic vertebral compression fracture under a cautious patient selection and meticulous technical procedure.