Percutaneous vertebroplasty: the follow-up.

PURPOSE: This article reports on our experience treating vertebral fractures with percutaneous vertebroplasty. A clinical and imaging follow-up designed to identify the early (especially pulmonary embolism of bone cement) and late complications of the technique is proposed.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

On the basis of the current guidelines, 101 patients were selected: 64 osteoporotic and 37 neoplastic. A total of 173 vertebrae were treated. Procedures were performed with both computed tomography and fluoroscopic guidance. Residual pain was evaluated with a visual analogue scale score immediately after vertebroplasty and 1, 15, 30, 90, 180 and 270 days later. Spine and chest radiographs were obtained 24 h after vertebroplasty; spine radiography was repeated 30 days later.

RESULTS

Therapeutic success was obtained in 88% of osteoporotic patients and in 84% of neoplastic patients. Pulmonary cement emboli were identified in four patients, all of whom were asymptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of osteoporotic and neoplastic vertebral fractures. Clinical and imaging followup allows effective patient monitoring and early detection of possible complications.