Publication:

Multilevel percutaneous vertebroplasty: safety, efficacy and long-term outcomes

Background The pain in vertebral compression fractures is severe, leading to reduced mobility and quality of life. Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure for treating various spinal pathologies. This study evaluated the usefulness and safety of multilevel PVP (two to three vertebrae) in managing VCF.

Methods This retrospective study evaluated 59 vertebral levels in 28 patients with VCF who had been operated on for multilevel PVP (two to three levels). There were 22 females and six males, and their ages ranged from 36 to 79 years, with a mean age of 68.95 years. We had injected two levels in 25 patients and three levels in 3 patients. The visual analogue scale was used for pain intensity measurement, and plain X-ray films, computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging was used for radiological assessment. The mean follow-up period was 13.8 months (range, 11-19).

Results Significant pain improvement was recorded in 26 patients (92.85%). More remarkable improvement in pain was noticed in the immediate postoperative period than in the subsequent follow-ups. Asymptomatic bone cement leakage anteriorly and into the disk spaces in two patients. Isolated anterior leakage has occurred in one patient. There was no encounter of pulmonary embolism.

Conclusions Multilevel PVP for the treatment of VCF is a safe and effective procedure that can significantly reduce pain and improve patient condition without any significant morbidity. It is considered a cost-effective procedure allowing a rapid restoration of patient mobility.