Vertebroplasty and epiduroscopy as seen by interventional radiologist

Abstract

Two minimally-invasive techniques in the spinal region are introduced: vertebroplasty and epiduroscopy. Vertebroplasty is mostly used in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body fractures, as well as in the palliative treatment of spinal metastases or symptomatic hemangiomas. It is usually performed under fluoroscopic, and often also CT control under analgesic sedation. If correctly indicated an analgesic effect occurs in roughly 90 % of patients. Epiduroscopy is a new technique, which is promising especially in patients with failed back surgery syndrome; patients with clinically-symptomatic fibrous adhesions, generally after repeated surgery. If correctly indicated a positive effect occurs in roughly one third to one half of patients.

Keywords: CT; MRI; epiduroscopy; kyphoplasty; minimally invasive technique osteoporosis.; vertebroplasty.