Intradural cement leakage: a devastatingly rare complication of vertebroplasty.
METHODS
The aim of this case report is to examine the devastating complication that may follow vertebroplasty.


OBJECTIVE
To report 1 case of intradural cement leakage caused by percutaneous vertebroplasty with polymethyl methacrylate.


BACKGROUND
Cement leakage is not a rare complication of vertebroplasty. But intradural cement leakage is rare. We herein report a rare but devastating complication of vertebroplasty.


METHODS
A 90-year-old woman with a T12 and L1 osteoporotic compression fracture underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty using polymethyl methacrylate at local hospital. A literature search was performed to assess complications of vertebroplasty.


RESULTS
She was transferred to our hospital due to abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed distended abdomen with local tenderness and weakness of both legs (muscle power: Grade 2). Plain radiograph of abdomen showed ileus and intradural cement leakage. Conservative treatment with nasogastric decompression was done, and her abdominal pain subsided 1 week later.


CONCLUSIONS
Percutaneous vertebroplasty with polymethyl methacrylate is relatively safe, but it still should be proceeded under careful safeguard. The needle tip should not cross the medial border of the pedicle on the anteroposterior view before it has crossed the posterior cortex of the vertebral body on the lateral view. Good quality of image monitoring and clear visualization of cement should be helpful to prevent complications.
Chen
Yen-Jen
YJ
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taiwan, Republic of China. yenjenc.tw@yahoo.com.tw
Tan
Tai-Sheng
TS
Chen
Wen-Hsien
WH
Chen
Clayton Chi-Chang
CC
Lee
Tu-Sheng
TS
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001843:Bone Cements / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000150:complications*; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D011859:Radiography; D013115:Spinal Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
D001843:Bone Cements; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate