Initial experience of percutaneous vertebroplasty using single-plane C-arm fluoroscopy for guidance.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) using single-plane C-arm fluoroscopy.


METHODS
Lesions in the present study all comprised compression fractures with intact pedicles. A polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) mixture was injected by the transpedicular approach under C-arm fluoroscopy using a lateral projection. Before and after PVP, the pain score was determined using visual analog scale methods.


RESULTS
Between June 2002 and May 2004, we performed 31 PVPs in 17 patients during 22 treatment sessions. Underlying pathology comprised neoplasm-related compression fracture (n=9) and fractures attributed to osteoporosis (n=8). Mean pain score was 8.0 (range, 4.5-10) immediately before PVP, and 1.9 (range, 0-7) at 24 h after PVP. Mean time needed to perform PVP was 59 min. Mean time to approach a pedicle was 36 min (range, 20 min for 1 pedicle to 110 min for 3 pedicles). No complications requiring surgical intervention or exacerbating conditions beyond pre-treatment levels were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
PVP using single-plane C-arm fluoroscopy for guidance is feasible, safe, and quick.
Koyama
Masamichi
M
Department of Radiology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan.
Takizawa
Kenji
K
Kobayashi
Ken
K
Sasaka
Kaoru
K
Hoshikawa
Yoshikazu
Y
Nakaji
Shunsuke
S
Okamoto
Kyoko
K
Kanai
Nobuyasu
N
Okamoto
Eimei
E
Nakajima
Yasuo
Y
Sasao
Yutaka
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001843:Bone Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
D001843:Bone Cements; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate