Percutaneous vertebroplasty for thyroid cancer metastases to the spine.

BACKGROUND

Spinal metastases secondary to thyroid cancer of follicular and parafollicular cell origin are uncommon but may require stabilization of the compromised vertebrae to prevent fracture with spinal cord injury. Such treatment may also relieve pain and improve survival and quality of life.

SUMMARY: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) is a minimally invasive, radiologically guided procedure whereby bone cement is injected into a structurally weakened vertebra to provide immediate stability. The authors present two cases of thyroid cancer with spinal metastases. Both patients successfully underwent PV. Following PV, the patients experienced significant pain relief with immediate reduction in analgesic requirements and improvement in other symptoms. Both were able to return to their daily activities.

CONCLUSION

PV is a minimally invasive spinal procedure and should be considered for patients with metastatic thyroid cancer with spinal metastases.