PURPOSE:

To describe a technique for percutaneous vertebroplasty of osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures and to report early results of its use.

METHODS:

The technique was used over a 3-year period in 29 patients with 47 painful vertebral fractures. The technique involves percutaneous puncture of the involved vertebra(e) via a transpedicular approach followed by injection of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) into the vertebral body.

RESULTS:

The procedure was technically successful in all patients, with an average injection amount of 7.1 mL PMMA per vertebral body. Two patients sustained single, nondisplaced rib fractures during the procedure; otherwise, no clinically significant complications were noted. Twenty-six patients (90%) reported significant pain relief immediately after treatment.

CONCLUSION:

Vertebroplasty is a valuable tool in the treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures, providing acute pain relief and early mobilization in appropriate patients.