[Percutaneous vertebroplasty]

Abstract

Vertebroplasty is a new therapeutic method which by way of filling with acrylic cement in the vertebral body gives a stabilization of the vertebra and an antalgic effect in painful lesions involving the spine. Main indications consist of spine angiomas, metastases and osteoporotic fractures involving the vertebral body. In most patients, vertebroplasty gives a very good and durable antalgic effect as in cases of angiomas or metastases as in post-therapeutic sequellae in malignant hematosarcomas. In osteoporotic fractures, antalgic effect is obtained very rapidly, but the follow-up is actually insufficient to evaluate the long term benefit.