OBJECTIVE: This paper evaluates the analgesic effect and obtained vertebral stability of percutaneous vertebroplasty with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in patients with vertebral pathological fractures, and performs a detailed revision of this technique. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 64 percutaneous vertebroplasty procedures in 46 patients was performed. Patients were evaluated by medical records, pre and post-operative radiographs, and by pain status (visual analog pain scale). RESULTS: 37 (80.4%) patients were female and 9 (19.6%) male, with mean age of 71 years (standard deviation + / - 9.2), ranging from 50 to 90 years. Sixty-four levels were treated, with a predominance of thoracic-lumbar segment, the majority 17 (26.6%) of vertebroplaties at T12 pedicle. Thirty-one patients (67.4%) presented only one fractured level, 12 patients (26.1%) presented 02 levels and three (6.5%) presented 03 or more treated levels. Osteoporosis was the most common diagnosis (33 cases, 71.7%). A high satisfaction rate of 90 to 100% was observed to the majority of patients when considering relief of pain postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Vertebroplasty has proven to be an effective procedure to treat pain caused by pathological fracture, and it is also used for diagnostic investigation (bone biopsy). The technique is secure and has provided low complications rates.
Spontaneous fractures; Spontaneous fractures; Osteoporosis; Spine
