A case of posterior element fracture in Kummell's disease

Kummell's disease is a rare, delayed posttraumatic collapse of a vertebral body that can occur several months or even years after an osteoporotic compression fracture. However, there are few reports of posterior element fractures associated with Kummell's disease. A 72-year-old man who had sustained an L1 osteoporotic compression fracture 14 months prior was admitted to our institution with incapacitating back pain. Plain radiographs showed progressive collapse of the L1 vertebral body and severe kyphosis at the thoracolumbar junction. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a posterior element fracture as well as osteonecrosis of the L1 vertebral body. An L1 percutaneous vertebroplasty was performed, followed by bone cement-augmented screw fixation to maintain stability and correct the kyphotic deformity. After surgery, pain relief was immediate, and the patient was able to walk unassisted. This case illustrates that continuous axial distraction stress caused by aggravated kyphosis secondary to Kummell's disease may result in posterior element fractures. Our discussion concludes with a literature review.     

Kyphoplasty for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures: a prospective non-randomized study

Background Minimally invasive augmentation techniques of vertebral bodies have been advocated to treat osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures (VBCFs). Kyphoplasty is designed to address both fracture-related pain as well as kyphotic deformity usually associated with fracture. Previous studies have indicated the potential of this technique for reduction of vertebral body height, but there has been little investigation into whether this has a lasting effect. The current study reports on our experience and the one-year results in 27 kyphoplasty procedures (24 patients) for osteoporotic VBCFs.Results All but one patient experienced pain relief following the procedure (on VAS 1–10)—with a lasting effect over the follow-up period in 25 cases. An average vertebral kyphosis reduction of 47.7% was achieved with no loss of reduction after one year. The potential for reduction was statistically related to the pre-operative amount of kyphosis, the level treated, and the age of the fracture, but not to the age of the patient. During follow-up, one fracture adjacent to a treated level was observed. Pain relief was not related to the amount of reduction.Conclusion Kyphoplasty is an effective treatment of VBCFs in terms of pain relief and durable reduction of deformity. Whether spinal realignment results in an improved long-term clinical outcome remains to be investigated.     

Osteoporotic compression fractures of the spine; current options and considerations for treatment.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Vertebral compression fractures affect at least one-fourth of all postmenopausal women. The most significant risk factor is osteoporosis, most commonly seen among Caucasian women a decade or so after menopause. Osteoporosis typically results from inadequate accumulation of bone mass during childhood and early adulthood followed by rapid resorption after menopause. Primary treatment of osteoporosis includes consideration of underlying metabolic abnormalities and provision of supplemental calcium/vitamin D in conjunction with bisphosphonates or calcitonin, or both. Routine hormone replacement therapy has fallen out of favor because of concerns regarding adverse effects identified in long-term follow-up studies. Acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture management includes bracing, analgesics, and functional restoration. Patients with chronic pain beyond 2 months may be appropriate candidates for vertebral body augmentation, ie, vertebroplasty or balloon tamp reduction. Open surgical management with decompression and stabilization should be reserved for the rare patient with neural compression and progressive deformity with neurologic deficits. PURPOSE: To review current principles in the evaluation and treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures of the spine. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A literature review on management of the osteoporotic spine. METHODS: MEDLINE search of all English-language literature published between 1981 and 2005 on surgical and nonsurgical treatment of the osteoporotic spine. The references selected for listing at the conclusion of this review are those containing specific information cited within the text. RESULTS: Over 200 separate scientific and clinical studies addressing the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are a common presenting complaint to spinal care specialists. Thorough differential diagnosis should be considered before attributing fractures to osteoporosis. Appropriate evaluation and medical treatment of underlying osteoporosis should be recommended or instituted. Nonsurgical management of the spinal fracture should focus on pain control and maximizing functional outcome. The role of surgical treatment remains controversial and should be reserved for patients who fail initial nonsurgical management options.     

Efficacy of percutaneous kyphoplasty in treating osteoporotic multithoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures

Percutaneous kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive technique that has become an effective and routine alternative for managing osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. This article reports the clinical outcome of a series of 54 cases of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebrae compression fractures treated by percutaneous kyphoplasty. Fifty-four patients with confirmed osteoporosis and at least 1 level of thoracolumbar vertebrae compression fracture were retrospectively selected. Pre- and postoperative and last follow-up clinical evaluation and radiological data were analyzed, including change of visual analog scale (VAS), reduced use of painkillers, locomotor activity, Cobb's angle, and average vertebral body height. Mean follow-up was 20.4 months (range, 6-36 months). In all cases, percutaneous kyphoplasty treatment was successful, significantly increasing vertebral body height, diminishing kyphosis in the fractured vertebrae, and decreasing painkiller use. In all patients, percutaneous kyphoplasty partially or completely relieved back pain. No new deformity was found within the follow-up period, nor were any other complications. The cement leakage rate was 3.86% (8 of 207 vertebrae) with percutaneous kyphoplasty, but no neurological or other complaints were received. Percutaneous kyphoplasty is a simple and safe procedure in managing osteoporotic vertebrae compression fractures. It relieves pain quickly, restores vertebral height, prevents further fracture, and improves patient quality of life.     

气囊扩张椎体后凸成形术的初步报告

目的:初步评价气囊扩张后突成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的手术操作、安全性、及疗效。方法:观察21例骨质疏松患者,30节椎体,新鲜骨折24椎节,陈旧性骨折6椎节,均有局部腰背疼痛,无神经症状。C-arm透视下,两侧同时经皮穿刺,气囊扩张骨折复位后,骨水泥灌注入椎体。随访4～7月。记录患者局部止痛的疗效,骨折的复位,及并发症等情况。结果:完全止痛14例,部分止痛7例,24节新鲜骨折气囊扩张的复位率是28.2％,6节陈旧性骨折复位率是2.1％。并发症2例,骨水泥外漏到椎间隙。其他椎体再次骨折2例,余无疼痛复发及椎体高度丢失。结论:气囊扩张后突成形术能恢复脊柱的稳定性,部分矫正脊柱后突,止痛疗效好,创伤小,并发症少,值得推广。     

An unconventional indication for open kyphoplasty

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Kyphoplasty is a means of treatment for painful osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures. Its efficacy has not yet been totally proven. Even though the conventional percutaneous kyphoplasty is a relatively safe procedure, it is not routinely recommended for use in vertebral body fractures that involve posterior cortical compromise/retropulsion or in fractures associated with neurological deficit. PURPOSE: To see whether the open kyphoplasty procedure can be used in patients with painful vertebral body compression fractures who also have bony retropulsion into the spinal canal. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This technical report is based on the experience of one patient. METHODS: A 79-year-old woman with a history of osteoporosis presented with a painful vertebral body compression fracture at T12. Magnetic resonance imaging of her lumbar spine demonstrated an acute compression fracture at T12 with significant decrease in vertebral body height and retropulsion of bone resulting in one-third reduction in canal width. She was not considered a candidate for percutaneous kyphoplasty. Three months after the injury, an open kyphoplasty was performed after a decompression laminectomy at T12. RESULTS: The fractured vertebral body was successfully reduced, and there was no leakage of polymethylmethacrylate into the spinal canal through the fractured posterior cortex using the open kyphoplasty procedure. One month after the operation, the patient was free from mid-back pain and was again able to walk. CONCLUSION: Open kyphoplasty procedure allows direct visualization to the spinal canal. It can be performed safely and effectively in selected vertebral body compression fractures with retropulsed bone associated with neurological deficit.     

Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty in Spinal Trauma

Abstract Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty have become recognized procedures for the treatment of vertebral fractures, especially in patients with osteoporosis. In most cases of osteoporotic spinal vertebral fracture in elderly patients, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement is used to fill the defect and stabilize the vertebral body. The techniques of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty differ in the possibility of realignment and reconstruction of the vertebral body and spinal column. Long-term results in terms of integration of the cement and bioreactivity of the vertebral body are still lacking; so, these procedures are still no options in the treatment of younger patients. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty show different success in the management of fresh traumatic spine fractures. The acute traumatic vertebral fracture has to be classified sensitively, to find the right indication for cement augmentation. Mild acute compression fractures can be treated by vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, severe compression and burst fractures by combination of internal fixation and kyphoplasty. The indications for use of biological or osteoinductive cement in spinal fracture management must still be regarded as restricted owing to the lack of basic biomechanical research data. Such cement should not be used except in clinical studies.     

Double-level posterior spinal shortening for paralytic osteoporotic vertebral collapse of two vertebral bodies with a normal vertebra in between: a case report

Introduction  Spinal shortening is indicated for osteoporotic vertebral collapse. However, this surgical procedure has not been indicated for more than two vertebral levels that are not adjacent. We experienced a rare case of paraparesis due to osteoporotic vertebral collapse of two vertebral bodies with a normal vertebra in between and treated successfully by the double-level posterior shortening procedure. Materials and methods  A 79-year-old woman suffered from delayed paraparesis 2 years after L1 and Th11 vertebral body compression fracture. Plain X-ray photographs showed Th11 and L1 vertebral body collapse, Th7 compression fracture and a kyphosis angle of 30° from Th10 to L2. Plain magnetic resonance imaging showed spinal canal stenosis at Th11 and L1 vertebral body levels. She was treated by double-level posterior spinal shortening using pedicle screw and hook systems. Results  After the procedure, the patient’s kyphosis angle decreased to 10° and her back pain, leg pain, and sensory deficits improved. She was able to walk by herself. Although new vertebral compression fractures occurred at L4 and L5 in the follow-up period, there has been no deterioration of the neurological symptoms 5 years after the operation. Conclusion  Delayed paraparesis after double-level thoracolumbar vertebral collapse due to osteoporosis was treated successfully by double-level posterior spinal shortening using a pedicle screw and hook system.     

过伸位下经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗老年人胸腰椎椎体压缩性骨折

目的探讨脊柱过伸位辅助复位后,行球囊扩张经皮椎体后凸成形术（percutaneous kyphoplasty,PKP）治疗老年人胸腰段椎体压缩性骨折的临床疗效。方法椎管麻醉下脊柱过伸位在C型臂X线机引导下行PKP治疗25例（30个椎体）合并骨质疏松椎体压缩性骨折患者,并对术前、术后患者的症状和椎体高度进行评估。结果所有患者术后疼痛症状明显减轻甚至消失。椎体高度明显恢复,和术前相比差异具有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。未发生明显或严重并发症。结论过伸位下PKP治疗老年人合并骨质疏松的椎体压缩性骨折是一种创伤小、较安全、疗效确切的方法。     

经皮椎体成形术治疗脊柱疾病

目的评价经皮椎体成形术治疗脊柱疾病的临床应用价值.方法 56例多发骨髓瘤、溶骨性脊柱转移瘤、骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折患者应用经皮椎体成形术后,分24 h、3个月两阶段评估患者疼痛、术后X线片检查结果、椎体高度等指标.结果术后止痛效果良好,尤以骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折患者的止痛效果最好.无严重并发症. 结论经皮椎体成形术对骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折等脊柱疾病的止痛、稳固椎体等效果明显,可以谨慎开展.     

陈旧性与新鲜性压缩骨折行椎体成形术的临床对比研究

目的回顾性对比研究陈旧性与新鲜性椎体压缩性骨折行经经皮椎体成形术（percutaneouss vertebra plasty,PVP）后的临床效果。方法对24例老年骨质疏松性胸腰椎压缩性骨折患者行PVP治疗,将研究对象按陈旧性骨折和新鲜性骨折分为2组,分别拍摄2组术前、术后标准正侧位X线片,从而对骨折椎体高度的恢复、后凸畸形的矫正及疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale,VAS）评分进行研究对比。结果所有患者术后平均随访6个月,无严重并发症发生。2组患者术后疼痛缓解且恢复良好,均恢复日常活动能力。但陈旧性压缩性骨折患者术后椎体高度恢复和后凸畸形的矫正程度均不如新鲜性骨折患者。结论 PVP术操作简单、创伤小,对于骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折的治疗效果明显,尤其对新鲜骨折效果显著,且对于缓解陈旧性骨折疼痛症状也有良好效果。     

经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折

目的评价经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的临床效果。方法对50例（56椎）骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的患者应用球囊式椎体扩张器对病椎进行扩张,并用骨水泥进行填充,采用视觉模拟量表（visualanalogue scales,VAS）及Stauffer-Coventry评定术后疗效。结果本组病例手术均获得成功,椎管内硬膜外渗漏2例,椎间盘渗漏3例,椎弓根穿刺针道渗漏1例,均未引起严重的神经症状及肺栓塞等致命并发症。VAS由术前（7.3±0.6）分降到术后（2.9±0.3）分,随访6个月时（1.9±0.4）分,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。临床效果SC评分,优29例,良16例,可5例,优良率90%。结论经皮椎体后凸成形术手术创伤小、时间短,可迅速有效地缓解疼痛,远期疗效可靠,具有很好的临床应用价值。     

Percutaneous vertebroplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic burst fractures

Background  Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure which involves injecting polymethylmethacrylate into the compressed vertebral body. At present the indications include the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures, vertebral myeloma, and metastases. The value of vertebroplasty in osteoporotic compression fracture has been discussed comprehensively. The surgical operation for burst fractures without neurological deficit remains controversial. Some authors have asserted that vertebroplasty is contraindicated in patients with burst fracture. However, we performed the procedure, after considering the patents general condition, to reduce surgical risks and the duration of immobilisation. The purpose of this study is to investigate clinical outcomes, kyphosis correction, wedge angle, and height restoration of thoraco-lumbar osteoporotic burst fractures treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty. Materials and methods  Twenty-five patients with osteoporotic burst fracture were treated with postural reduction followed by vertebroplasty. We measured the kyphosis, wedge angle, spinal canal compromise and the height of the fractured vertebral body initially, after postural reduction, and after vertebroplasty. Findings  The average height of the collapsed vertebral bodies was 24.8% of the original height. Average kyphosis angle was 19.4° and average wedge angle was 19.8° at first. Mean canal encroachment was initially 25.1%. Kyphosis angle, wedge angle, and anterior, middle, and posterior height improved significantly after the procedure. The mean amelioration of the spinal canal encroachment after vertebroplasty was 23.3%. The average increase in anterior vertebral body height was 7.5 mm, central was 5.8 mm, and posterior was 0.9 mm. The mean reduction in kyphosis angle was 6.8° and the mean reduction in wedge angle was 9.7°. Conclusion  Although vertebroplasty has been considered as contraindicated in thoraco-lumbar burst fractures, we successfully used the procedure as a safe treatment in patients with osteoporotic burst fracture without neurologic deficit. This method could eliminate the need for and risks of major spinal surgery. We would like to offer it as a relatively safe and effective methods of management in thoraco-lumbar burst fractures.     

Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures

Abstract Due to a demographic increase in patients with osteoporosis the epidemiology of vertebral fractures changes. Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone density, microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue and impaired bone strength, which leads to an increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. Asymptomatic vertebral deformity was found to be associated with subsequent risk of symptomatic fractures, particularly vertebral fracture, and increased risk of mortality after a fracture. After the first osteoporotic fracture at any site the risk for further fractures increases dramatically. Osteoporosis represents, besides the origin of such vertebral fractures and impaired bone healing, a problem in osteofixation and implant stability in fracture treatment in orthopedic surgery. Two new treatment strategies of percutaneous vertebro- and kyphoplasty have gained worldwide attention in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fracture and short-term observational studies and case-control studies indicate that the results are favorable, regarding both pain relief and functional status. Actually, it cannot be decided whether the internal application of bone cement to the vertebral body is effective in the long run. Special attention has to be given to the underlying osteoporosis in order to reduce the incidence of further fractures in the patients at risk. Diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis have to be part of the treatment concept of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Thus, it is important that orthopedic surgeons identify, assess and treat patients with fragility fractures for osteoporosis according to the currently available treatment protocols.     

Balloon kyphoplasty versus percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures: clinical and radiological outcomes

BACKGROUND CONTEXTOsteoporotic vertebral body compression fracture are the commonest fractures amongst the other osteoporotic fracture sites. These fragility fractures are the result of low energy mechanical forces that that would not ordinarily result in fracture. Percutaneous vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty has been widely used as minimally invasive procedures to treat painful vertebral compression fractures.PURPOSEAim of the present study was to evaluate radiological, clinical and functional outcome of patients with osteoporotic vertebral body fractures treated with Balloon Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty.STUDY DESIGNProspective cohort studyPATIENT SAMPLE40 patients (Male:15, Female: 25) with average age of 56 +/- 8 years diagnosed with osteoporotic vertebral body compression fracture on clinical and radiological evaluation with no neurological deficit and no other associated fractures were included.OUTCOME MEASURESOperative time, cost for the procedure, gain in vertebral body height, reduction in pain, ability to perform daily routine activities, risk of cement leakage and any other systemic complications were evaluated and compared in both the study groups.METHODSAll the patients underwent conventional Xray, MRI (to rule out acute from chronic fracture, to check compromise of spinal canal and calculate collapse in vertebral body height), Visual analog scaling for severity of pain and difficulty in daily routine activities by Oswestry disability index preoperatively. Post operative clinal, functional, radiological outcome and complications were compared in patients treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty.RESULTThere was significant difference in intraoperative time period and procedure cost for the patients treated with Vertebroplasty(50.75min, 25k) in comparison to balloon kyphoplasty (71.95, 50k) with p value being < .001There was significant difference between preoperative and postoperative study parameters in both the study groups but there was no significant difference in post operative study parameters amongst both the study groups with p values >.05 for different parameters, 0.381(Gain in vertebral height), 0.108 (pain relief), 0.846(Oswestry disability index) and 0.197(risk of cement leakage)CONCLUSIONOur study suggested that percutaneous vertebroplasty requires less operative time and is more economical than balloon kyphoplasty. Increase in intraoperative time increases the risk of infection. Though the cases of Intraoperative operative cement leakage were more in percutaneous vertebroplasty but is was not significant. However the final radiological, clinical, functional outcome and overall complications were found to be similar in both the groups. Balloon kyphoplasty provided no added benefit over percutaneous vertebroplasty. A study with larger sample size will be needed to warrant one surgical procedure superior to other in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body compression fracture.     

体重及体质量指数与骨质疏松性骨折发生的关系研究

目的探讨骨质疏松性骨折的发生与身高、体重及体质量指数(body mass index,BMI)的关系。方法回顾性分析我院自2012年以来符合骨质疏松诊断的患者1936例,诊断为骨质疏松性骨折患者472例,分析骨质疏松性骨折组与非骨折组之间身高、体重及BMI的差异,并根据不同部位骨折分组以及不同年龄层分析身高、体重、BMI与骨质疏松性骨折发生的关系。结果骨质疏松性骨折组体重、BMI均低于非骨折组(P0.01),而两组间身高比较差异无统计学意义。不同部位骨折分组中脊柱压缩性骨折组的BMI最高,而髋部骨折组的BMI最低(P0.05)。依不同BMI分组发现低体重组中髋部骨折占56.5%,而在超体重组中脊柱压缩性骨折占43.01%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。骨密度T值随BMI的增加而增加,两者呈显著正相关关系(P0.01)。结论体重、BMI对于骨质疏松性骨折的发生存在相关关系,BMI虽与骨密度T值呈正相关关系,但由于不同部位骨折的受力机制不同,其体重、BMI的增加与减少所造成的影响也不同,如低BMI易造成髋部骨折,高BMI易造成脊柱压缩性骨折。     

Vertebral body compression fracture after removal of pedicle screws: a report of two cases

While the risks of pedicle screw insertion are well established, there is a paucity of reports on complications associated with implant removal. We report two cases of acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures of the instrumented vertebral body adjacent to the fractured vertebra due to removal of pedicle screws in two female patients previously treated for vertebral lumbar burst fractures. Both patients had experienced only mild occasional pain at the thoracolumbar junction prior to the removal of the implants. In the formerly almost asymptomatic individuals, the acute osteoporotic fractures led to persistent severe back pain despite prolonged intensive treatment. Patients must be thoroughly informed of the rare but potential risks of spinal implant removal, particularly in cases of osteoporosis. We therefore do not recommend removal of spinal implants unless there are clear clinical indications for implant removal.     

经皮椎体成形术在骨质疏松椎体压缩性骨折治疗中的应用

目的 评估经皮椎体成形术在治疗骨质疏松椎体压缩性骨折中的疗效。方法 对19例22个骨质疏松椎体压缩性骨折患行经皮椎体成形术。结果 所有患经3～12个月的随访，疗效满意，其中优4例(21％)，良12例(63％)，可3例(19％)。术后5例患需阶段性口服药物缓解疼痛，2例骨水泥外溢，但未造成不良后果。结论 经皮椎体成形术是一种微创治疗方法，用于治疗骨质疏松椎体压缩性骨折有明显疗效，可在短时间内解除患痛苦，恢复正常活动。     

Percutaneous vertebroplasty for subacute and chronic painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures can safely be undertaken in the first year after the onset of symptoms

The optimal timing of percutaneous vertebroplasty as treatment for painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) is still unclear. With the position of vertebroplasty having been challenged by recent placebo-controlled studies, appropriate timing gains importance. We investigated the relationship between the onset of symptoms - the time from fracture - and the efficacy of vertebroplasty in 115 patients with 216 painful subacute or chronic OVCFs (mean time from fracture 6.0 months (sd 2.9)). These patients were followed prospectively in the first post-operative year to assess the level of back pain and by means of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We also investigated whether greater time from fracture resulted in a higher risk of complications or worse pre-operative condition, increased vertebral deformity or the development of nonunion of the fracture as demonstrated by the presence of an intravertebral cleft. It was found that there was an immediate and sustainable improvement in the level of back pain and HRQoL after vertebroplasty, which was independent of the time from fracture. Greater time from fracture was associated with neither worse pre-operative conditions nor increased vertebral deformity, nor with the presence of an intravertebral cleft. We conclude that vertebroplasty can be safely undertaken at an appropriate moment between two and 12 months following the onset of symptoms of an OVCF.     

Percutaneous vertebroplasty for pain relief and spinal stabilization

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective review of 47 consecutive patients (1995-1998) in whom percutaneous intraosseous methylmethacrylate cement injection (percutaneous vertebroplasty) was used to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and spinal column neoplasms. OBJECTIVES: To present initial results regarding pain relief, spinal stabilization, and complications after treatment with percutaneous vertebroplasty. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Percutaneous vertebroplasty was developed in France in the late 1980s. Several European reports have described excellent results for treatment of compression fractures and neoplasms. The procedure was not performed in the United States until 1994. Only a single series of 29 patients treated in the United States has been reported. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 47 consecutive patients with 84 vertebrae treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty. Thirty-eight patients with 70 vertebrae had symptomatic, osteoporotic fractures and had failed medical therapy. Eight patients with 13 vertebrae had primary or metastatic neoplasms. One patient had a hemangioma. Immediate and long-term pain response, spinal stability, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Among the 38 patients treated for osteoporotic fractures, 24 (63%) had marked to complete pain relief, 12 (32%) moderate relief and 2 (5%) no significant change. Only 4 of the 8 patients with malignancies had significant pain relief. In 7 of these patients, no further vertebral compression occurred, and spinal canal compromise was prevented. The patient with the hemangioma had no significant pain reduction. Minor complications occurred in 3 (6%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous vertebroplasty provided significant pain relief in a high percentage of patients with osteoporotic fractures. The procedure provided spinal stabilization in patients with malignancies but did not produce consistent pain relief. Complications were minor and infrequent. Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a promising therapy for patients with osteoporotic fractures and for selected vertebral column neoplasms.