Percutaneous Vertebroplasty

Abstract

Since the first description of vertebroplasty by Deramond and Galibert this minimally invasive procedure has gained wide acceptance especially for the treatment of osteoporotic subacute and chronic vertebral fractures. An accurate selection of patients and levels to treat provides very good results. After the correct placement of the needle an optimal visualisation of the cement injection and the appropriate preparation and handling of the cement are key factors to minimize the number of potentially devastating complications, which can consist of death or severe neurological damage. The alternative method of kyphoplasty could possibly lead to a better restoration of the vertebral body but unfortunately, direct comparison between the methods is not possible because randomized trials are still missing.