Vertebroplasty - Treatment Option for Structurally Insufficient Vertebras

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive technique that has been developed to treat pain secondary to vertebral fracture. The technique, originally described in 1987, was used on the basis of the hypothesis that consolidation of fragile and painful vertebra should eliminate pain. Having been first successfully used in the treatment of vertebral hemangiomas, it was subsequently introduced in the treatment of metastatic lesions, osteoporotic compressive fractures, aneurysmatic bone cysts as well as, for example, insufficiency of sacral fractures. The excellent clinical results obtained with percutaneous augmentation of vertebral bodies, together with limited incidence of clinically relevant complications, have resulted in gradual increase in the number of treated patients and wider clinical use of this technique. Optimistic outcome is reported also in open surgical procedures, where vertebroplasty has been implemented in order to increase stability of implants. The aim of the review article is to describe the technique itself, its complications, indications and relevant aspects of the specific patient care.