[Percutaneous transpedicular vertebroplasty for treatment of osteoporosis-induced vertebral fractures].

Osteoporosis plays an increasing medical, social, and economic role in our society. Vertebral body fractures are the most common fractures, along with fractures around the hip joint, and fractures of the distal radius due to osteoporosis. An osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture can lead to incapacitating back pain and immobility and often requires in-hospital treatment. Vertebroplasty is an effective procedure consisting of the percutaneous injection of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement into vertebral bodies. Preliminary studies showed promising clinical results with this new technique. As there is a high incidence of cement leakage during the injection of the cement, we prefer to perform the procedure under computed tomography control with a fluoro-CT-option. Furthermore, we recommend that the procedure is only done in collaboration with a spine surgeon. In case of a neurological complication, immediate decompression of the spinal canal is mandatory. Vertebroplasty is a very promising, effective and safe method for the treatment for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Based on our preliminary results, this method can be recommended for a more widespread clinical use.