[Vertebroplasty--basic science, indications and technique].
BACKGROUND
Vertebroplasty is a relatively new procedure for the treatment of vertebral body fractures of different origin. Due to early promising results the rate of performed procedures increases constantly. Indeed an increasing number of partially severe complications are reported. A summary of the existing findings seems therefore necessary.


METHODS
On the basis of a medline inquiry important aspects of vertebroplasty in the fields of basic science, diagnostics, indications, contraindications, technique, results and complications were compiled.


RESULTS
Especially for the field of indications, possible longterm effects and for the "ideal" technique open questions exist, mainly due to missing prospective, randomized long-term clinical trials.


CONCLUSIONS
A final assessment of the significance of vertebroplasty for osteoporotic fractures in comparison to conservative treatment is actually not possible. In contrast vertebroplasty is a therapeutical option for malignomas in selected cases.
Schmidt
R
R
Orthopädische Klinik mit Querschnittgelähmtenzentrum der Universität Ulm. rene.schmidt@gmx.de
Richter
M
M
Puhl
W
W
Cakir
B
B
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001843:Bone Cements / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D050815:Fractures, Compression / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D011542:Pseudarthrosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D001843:Bone Cements; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate