Prophylactic injection of methylmetacrylate in vertebrae located between two previously cemented levels does not prevent a subsequent compression fracture in a patient with bone fragility

Joint Bone Spine. 2008 May;75(3):322-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2007.05.008. Epub 2007 Oct 31.

Abstract

A 68-year-old woman with a fragility fracture of the fourth lumbar vertebra was treated with a first vertebroplasty using methylmetacrylate with an initial good pain relief. Early painful recurrent vertebral fractures led to iterative vertebroplasties. Furthermore prophylactic treatment with methylmetacrylate of a non-fractured vertebra located between two previously injected ones did not prevent its collapse. This case report underlines the lack of a clear evaluation benefit/risk ratio of these procedures in patients with non-malignant bone fragility.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bone Cements*
  • Female
  • Fractures, Compression / prevention & control*
  • Fractures, Spontaneous
  • Humans
  • Injections
  • Lumbar Vertebrae*
  • Methylmethacrylate / administration & dosage*
  • Recurrence
  • Spinal Fractures / therapy*

Substances

  • Bone Cements
  • Methylmethacrylate