Percutaneous vertebroplasty in the perception of students of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Medical University of Bialystok

Aim of the study: To assess the level of knowledge of students of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Medical University of Bialystok on percutaneous vertebroplasty. Material and methods: 200 students were examined. The study was conducted by a diagnostic survey, using the original questionnaire. Results: Only 27% heard about vertebroplasty and 17% of students in kyphoplasty. 66% of the questionnaires could not indicate differences between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. The essence of the procedure was the injection of bone cement to the vertebral body (53.5%), and the goal - to improve the quality of life of the patient (49.5%). In the opinion of the respondents, the most necessary equipment for the procedure is bone cement (55%) and a set of special needles (54%); the main cause of vertebral fracture is transport accidents (77%) and falls from height (67.5%); the spinal segment most frequently subjected to vertebroplasty is the lumbar section (55%), and the main counteraction to surgery - pregnancy (49%). The improvement of the patient's physical fitness (53.5%) and pain reduction (52.5%) were considered the advantages of the procedure. X-rays (45.5%) were most often considered as qualifying for the procedure, the main complication being the leakage of bone cement beyond the vertebral body (49%). The main source of knowledge of students were studies (41.5%). Conclusions: Most of the respondents did not hear about percutaneous vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty. Most respondents rated their level of low knowledge as medium. Respondents would like to expand their knowledge in the field of percutaneous vertebroplasty procedure.