PERCUTANEOUS VERTEBROPLASTY FOR OSTEOPOROTIC VERTEBRAL FRACTURES

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease characterized by bone quality deterioration. As a consequence of this deterioration, osteoporosis results in high fracture risk due to bone fragility. Fractures to the spine are common in this scenario, and relate to an increased morbi-mortality. Vertebroplasty emerged in 1984 as an alternative to treat painful vertebral tumors and osteoporotic vertebral fractures. This procedure relies on image guided cement injection to achieve pain relief and strengthen the vertebral body. Vertebroplasty can be performed under local anesthesia, mild sedation, or general anesthesia. Among its complications, cement leakage is common but it is rarely associated with any symptoms and it is usually an imaging finding. In this article, we will review indications and contraindications, effectiveness, controversies and complications related to percutaneous vertebroplasty.