CT-guided percutaneous vertebroplasty in the therapy of vertebral compression fractures

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of CT-guided percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures. The primary objectives were pain reduction and bone-cement leakage during a long-term follow-up in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. CT-guided percutaneous vertebroplasty was carried out in 61 patients (mean age, 71.4 years; range, 42–83; female ratio, 73.8%) with vertebral compression fractures. Treatment was carried out on an outpatient basis. Pain, bone-cement leakage, and complications were monitored and recorded. The mean follow-up time was 19.8 months (range, 3–52). Paired comparison procedures were used for the analysis of the results, which showed that all patients had a significant reduction of pain. The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score before treatment was 8.8 points (range, 6.5–9.8 points). The mean VAS score after treatment was significantly reduced to 2.6 points (range, 1.5–4.1 points; P<.01). No clinical or neurological complications were documented. Minor and asymptomatic bone-cement leakage was observed in 54% of the cases. Percutaneous vertebroplasty is an efficient and safe interventional procedure that rapidly improves the mobility and quality of life of patients with vertebral compression fractures. CT guidance is a reasonable upgrade in the treatment procedure, which reduces the amount of bone-cement leakage.