Therapeutic effects of percutaneous vertebroplasty for vertebral metastases

Purpose We have performed percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for patients with vertebral metastases since 2002. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of PV on vertebral metastases. Materials and methods A retrospective (2002–2008) review was conducted for 69 consecutive patien 141 metastatic vertebrae treated with PV using PMMA. The clinical background of the patients, visual analog scale (VAS), improvement rate, outcomes, and complications were evaluated. Results The mean preoperative VAS score was 7.3 and significantly improved to 1.9 postoperatively (at discharge), with a mean improvement rate of 73.3%. With regard to complications, no new fractures of adjacent vertebral bodies were encountered, but cement leakage was seen in 49% of the patients. Most patients were asymptomatic during the postoperative course, although two patients (3%) experienced dyspnea that was suspected to be adult respiratory distress syndrome or a pulmonary embolism. Conclusion PV can offer pain relief to patients with painful vertebral metastases and short life expectancy whose general condition makes surgery difficult.