Application of cementoplasty in patients with symptomatic benign osteopathy disease.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment for some symptomatic, benign osteopathy lesions is yet to be identified. PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical efficiency of cementoplasty in managing symptomatic, benign osteopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between June 2006 and January 2020, we retrospectively enrolled 31 patients (10 men, 21 women; mean age = 46.5 ± 16.6 years; age range = 20-85 years), accounting for 34 treatment sites, who underwent percutaneous osteoplasty (14 treatment sites) and percutaneous vertebroplasty (20 treatment sites) with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or DSA combined with computed tomography (CT). All the participants experienced different degrees of clinical symptoms with benign osteopathy lesions. The technical success of the procedure and occurrence of complications were recorded. Follow-up examinations were conducted to assess the treatment outcome using the MacNab criteria. RESULTS: All the participants had a diagnosis of benign osteopathy lesions before or after the cementoplasty. Surgery was successfully completed in all patients. Cement distributions were diffuse and homogeneous, with the complication of cement leakage occurring in 17.6% (6 of 34) of the lesions. The leakage occurred in the intervertebral disc (n = 1), the intra-articular space (n = 1), and the surrounding soft tissue (n = 4). Analysis of the treatment outcome using the MacNab criteria revealed that all patients showed improvement in their clinical symptoms to some extent and in the quality of life. CONCLUSION: Cementoplasty is an effective treatment for symptomatic, benign osteopathy, with the advantage of favorable clinical outcomes, and low complication rate.

Efficacy and Safety of the Safe Triangular Working Zone Approach in Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Spinal Metastasis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of the safe triangular working zone (STWZ) approach applied in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) for spinal metastases involving the posterior part of the vertebral body. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 87 patients who underwent PV for spinal metastasis involving the posterior part of the vertebral body, with or without the STWZ approach, from January 2019 to April 2022. Forty-nine patients (27 females and 22 males; mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 57.2 ± 11.6 years; age range, 31-76 years) were included in group A (with STWZ approach), accounting for 54 vertebrae. Thirty-eight patients (18 females and 20 males; 59.1 ± 10.9 years; 29-81 years) were included in group B (without STWZ approach), accounting for 57 vertebrae. Patient demographics, procedure-related variables, and pain relief as assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) were collected at different time points. Tumor recurrence in the vertebrae after PV was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: The STWZ approach was successful from T1 to L5 without severe complications. Cement filling was satisfactory in 47/54 (87.0%) and 25/57 (43.9%) vertebrae in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). Cement leakage was not significantly different between groups A and B (p = 1.000). Mean VAS score ± SD before and 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after PV were 7.6 ± 1.8, 4.2 ± 2.0, 2.7 ± 1.9, 1.9 ± 1.5, 1.7 ± 1.4, 1.7 ± 1.1, and 1.6 ± 1.3, respectively, in group A and 7.2 ± 1.7, 4.0 ± 1.3, 3.4 ± 1.6, 2.4 ± 1.2, 1.8 ± 1.0, 1.4 ± 0.5, and 1.7 ± 0.9, respectively, in group B. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a lower tumor recurrence rate in group A than in group B (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The STWZ approach may represent a new, safe, alternative/auxiliary approach to target the posterior part of the vertebral body in the PV for spinal metastases.

Fluoroscopy-Guided Percutaneous Sacroplasty for Painful Metastases at the Sacral Ala.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous sacroplasty (PSP) is widely used in the clinic for osteoporotic sacral insufficiency fractures; however, few reports have described the safety and effectiveness of PSP for painful sacral metastases at the sacral ala under fluoroscopy alone. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fluoroscopy-guided PSP for painful metastases at the sacral ala. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive patients (median age, 60.74 ± 12.74 years), with a total of 41 metastatic lesions at the sacral ala, were treated with PSP. The patients were followed up for periods ranging from 1 month to 30 months (average, 8.23 ± 6.75 months). The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) were used to evaluate pain, mobility, and quality of life before the procedure and at 3 days and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all patients. The minimum follow-up duration was 1 month. The mean VAS scores declined significantly from 7.20 ± 0.93 before the procedure to 3.43 ± 1.38 by day 3 after the procedure, and was 3.13 ± 1.07 at 1 month, 3.17 ± 1.15 at 3 months, 2.91± 1.38 at 6 months, and 2.57 ± 1.51 at 12 months after the procedure (P < 0.001). After PSP, analgesic drug administration had been discontinued in 31 of 35 patients (88.57%). The ODI and KPS also changed after PSP, with significant differences between the baseline scores and those at each follow-up examination (P < 0.001). Extraosseous cement leakage occurred in 12 cases without any major clinical complications. CONCLUSION: PSP is a safe and effective technique for the palliative treatment of painful metastases involving the sacral ala under fluoroscopic guidance alone. It can relieve pain, reduce disability, and improve function, and is associated with minimal complications.

Application of Percutaneous Osteoplasty in Treating Pelvic Bone Metastases: Efficacy and Safety.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous vertebroplasty has been a good option to treat vertebral metastases. The pelvic bone is a common site of spread for many cancers. Using follow-up data for 126 patients, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of percutaneous osteoplasty (POP) to treat pelvic bone metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 126 patients (mean age 57.45 ± 11.46 years old) with 178 lesions were treated using POP. The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the changes in the patient's use of painkillers were used to evaluate pain and quality of life before the procedure, and at 3 days and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all patients. The mean VAS scores decreased significantly from 6.87 ± 1.33 before the procedure to 3.33 ± 1.94 by day 3 after the procedure (P < 0.05), 2.26 ± 1.59 at 1 month (P < 0.05), 1.89 ± 1.53 at 3 months (P < 0.05), 1.87 ± 1.46 at 6 months (P < 0.05), 1.90 ± 1.47 at 9 months (P < 0.05), and 1.49 ± 1.17 at 12 months (P < 0.05). The ODI also changed after the procedure, with significant differences between baseline scores and at each follow-up examination (P < 0.05). Pain relief was achieved in 118 patients (93.65%); however, pain relief was not obvious in seven patients (5.56%), and pain was aggravated in one patient (0.79%). Extraosseous cement leakage occurred in 35 patients (27.78%) without causing any clinical complications. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous osteoplasty is a safe and effective choice for patients with painful osteolytic pelvic bone metastases. It can relieve pain, reduce disability, and improve function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3b, retrospective study.

Percutaneous Sacroplasty for Painful Sacral Metastases Involving Multiple Sacral Vertebral Bodies: Initial Experience with an Interpedicular Approach.

OBJECTIVE: To report our initial experience of percutaneous sacroplasty (PSP) with an interpedicular approach for treating painful sacral metastases involving multiple sacral vertebral bodies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study prospectively enrolled 10 consecutive patients (six men and four women; mean age, 56.3 ± 13.8 years) who underwent PSP for painful sacral metastases involving multiple sacral vertebral bodies from March 2017 to September 2018. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry disability index (ODI) values, and the number of opioids prescribed to the patients were assessed before and after PSP. The procedure duration, length of hospitalization, and complications were also recorded. RESULTS: Mean VAS and ODI declined significantly from 6.90 ± 1.20 and 74.40 ± 5.48 before the procedure to 2.70 ± 1.34 and 29.60 ± 14.57 after the procedure, respectively (p < 0.01). The median number of opioids prescribed per patient decreased from 2 (interquartile range [IQR] 1-3) pre-procedure to 1 (IQR 0-3) post-procedure (p < 0.01). Nine of the 10 patients showed no or decreased opioid usage, and only 1 patient showed unchanged usage. The mean procedure duration was 48.5 ± 3.0 minutes. The average length of hospitalization was 4.7 ± 1.7 days. Extraosseous cement leakage occurred in three cases without causing any clinical complications. CONCLUSION: PSP with an interpedicular approach is a safe and effective treatment in patients with painful sacral metastases involving multiple sacral vertebral bodies and can relieve pain and improve mobility.

Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Lumbar Discectomy and Percutaneous Disc Cementoplasty for Painful Lumbar Disc Herniation in Patients over 60 Years.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and efficacy of percutaneous lumbar discectomy (PLD) and percutaneous disc cementoplasty (PDCP) for painful lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in patients >60 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen older patients (mean age, 71.00 ± 6.24 years) with painful LDH were treated with PLD and PDCP. The outcome data (the Macnab criteria, visual analog scale score, and Oswestry disability index) were collected preoperatively; at 1 week postoperatively; at posttreatment months 1, 3, and 6; and every 6 months thereafter. In addition, treatment duration, injection volume of bone cement, length of hospital stay, and complications were assessed. RESULTS: Treatment was successful in all patients. The pain relief rate at the last follow-up was 87.5%. Six, 8, and 2 patients showed excellent, good, and fair results, respectively; no patient showed a poor result. The average visual analog scale for back and leg pain decreased from 6.75 ± 1.06 and 7.00 ± 0.89 before the procedure to 2.81 ± 1.60 and 2.87 ± 1.75 at 1 month, 2.79 ± 1.58 and 2.71 ± 1.64 at 6 months, and 2.90 ± 1.73 and 3.00 ± 1.76 at 1 year, respectively. The scores were 2.44 ± 1.63 and 2.44 ± 1.71, respectively, at the last follow-up. The Oswestry disability index also changed after the procedure, with significant differences between baseline scores and those at each follow-up (P < .001). The mean procedure duration, injection volume of bone cement, and length of hospital stay were 55.69 ± 5.86 minutes, 2.50 ± 0.63 mL, and 7.06 ± 2.41 days, respectively. There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of PLD and PDCP is feasible, safe, and effective for older patients with painful LDH.

Feasibility of percutaneous interbody fusion as a treatment for adjacent vertebral stress fracture of ankylosing spondylitis with intervertebral pseudarthrosis formation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous interbody fusion (PIF) using bone cement for adjacent vertebral stress fracture of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with intervertebral pseudarthrosis formation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to February 2018, eleven consecutive patients (seven men and four women; median age, 56.09±13.64 years; age range, 33-80 years) who underwent PIF as a treatment for adjacent stress fracture of AS with intervertebral pseudarthrosis formation were retrospectively analyzed. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score were assessed before and after the procedure; meanwhile, the procedure duration, length of hospital stay and complications were assessed. Moreover, anterior/lateral and computed tomography (CT) scans were utilized for the assessment of bone cement distribution and interbody fusion. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all patients, and they experienced good interbody fusion with bone cement after PIF. Mean VAS scores declined significantly from 8.82±0.87 before the procedure to 3.36±0.67 1 day after the procedure and 2.73±0.65 1 month after the procedure, while the mean ODI scores decreased from 82.91±3.02 before treatment to 31.64 ±2.66 1 day after treatment and 30.00±3.10 1 month after treatment. The mean procedure duration was 49.73±6.12 minutes (range, 42-65 minutes). The average length of hospital stay was 7.09±1.45 days (range, 5-10 days). Extraosseous cement leakage occurred in one case without causing any clinical complications. CONCLUSION: PIF is a feasible therapeutic technique for adjacent vertebral stress fracture of AS with intervertebral pseudarthrosis formation, which can significantly relieve pain and stabilize the fractured spine.

Correction to: Risk Prediction of New Adjacent Vertebral Fractures After PVP for Patients with Vertebral Compression Fractures: Development of a Prediction Model.

The following information in bold type should be added to the Acknowledgements section.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of malignant vertebral compression fractures with epidural involvement.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and the clinical efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in treating malignant spinal tumors and malignant vertebral compression fractures with epidural involvement. Materials and methods: 43 patients with spinal metastatic tumors and malignant vertebral compression fractures with epidural involvement were treated using PVP. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale results at presentation were used to divide patients into 2 groups. Patients in group A had no symptoms of neurological compression (n = 25); and patients in group B had symptoms of neurological compression (n = 28). A 13G bone puncture needle was placed across the pedicle of the fractured vertebra, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was injected into the fractured vertebral body under fluoroscopic control. Patients were seen in follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure and every six months thereafter. Results: PVP was technically successful and well-tolerated in all patients. Clinical assessment at the final follow-up found complete pain relief (n = 19) or good pain relief (n = 14) in 33 patients (62.3%, 95% CI: 49%, 76%). ASIA impairment scale assessment at the final follow-up demonstrated symptoms of neurologic compression in 31 patients and no symptoms of neurologic compression in 22 patients. Symptoms of neurologic compression were found in five group A patients and eight group B patients. Conclusions: PVP was a safe and moderately effective procedure in the treatment of malignant vertebral compression fractures with epidural involvement.

Feasibility of Percutaneous Lumbar Discectomy Combined with Percutaneous Cementoplasty for Symptomatic Lumbar Disc Herniation with Modic Type I Endplate Changes.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation with Modic type I endplate changes is complex and challenging, requiring systemic and local therapies which include conservative therapy, epidural infiltrations, percutaneous therapeutic techniques, and surgical options. The clinical management of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation involving Modic type I endplate changes is uniquely challenging because it requires alleviating pain caused by both the herniated disc and the endplate osteochondritis. Through different approaches, percutaneous lumbar discectomy (PLD) and percutaneous cementoplasty (PCP) have been introduced into clinical practice as alternatives to traditional surgical and radiotherapy treatments of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation and other spine diseases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of PLD and PCP for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation with Modic type I endplate changes. STUDY DESIGN: PLD and PCP in 7 patients with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation with Modic type I endplate changes and its clinical effects were retrospectively evaluated. SETTING: This study was conducted by an interventional therapy group at a medical center in a major Chinese city. METHODS: Seven consecutive patients (2 men, 5 women; median age, 74.14 ± 5.34 years; age range, 68 - 82 years) who underwent percutaneous lumbar discectomy and cementoplasty for the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation with Modic type I changes between May 2013 and August 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The MacNab Criteria, visual analog scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for pain were assessed before and one week, 6 months, and one year after the procedure. Furthermore, the procedure duration, hospital stay length, and complications were assessed. RESULTS: The VAS of the back and leg decreased from 6.14 ± 0.69 (range, 5 - 7) and 7.29 ± 0.76 (range, 6 - 8) preoperatively to 2.29 ± 1.38 (range, 1 - 5) and 2.71 ± 0.60 (range, 1 - 6) one week, 1.86 ± 0.69 (range, 1 - 3) and 2.00 ± 0.58 (range, 1 - 3) 6 months, and 1.71 ± 0.76 (range, 1 - 3) and 1.85 ± 0.69 (range, 1 - 3) one year postoperatively. The ODI dropped from 76.86 ± 7.45 (range, 70 - 82) preoperatively to 26.29 ± 19.47 (range, 16 - 70) one week, 19.14 ± 2.79 (range, 16 - 24) 6 months, and 18.57 ± 2.99 (range, 16 - 24) one year postoperatively. The mean procedure duration was 55.71 ± 6.07 minutes (range, 50 - 65 minutes). The average length of hospital stay was 7.57 ± 1.27 days (range, 6 - 10 days). No obvious complications were noted. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective study with a relatively small sample size. CONCLUSION: PLD plus PCP is a feasible technique for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation with Modic type I endplate changes.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty and interventional tumor removal for malignant vertebral compression fractures and/or spinal metastatic tumor with epidural involvement: a prospective pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and interventional tumor removal (ITR), with PVP alone for malignant vertebral compression fractures and/or spinal metastatic tumor with epidural involvement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 124 patients were selected for PVP and ITR (n = 71, group A) and PVP alone (n = 53, group B). A 14 G needle and guide wire were inserted into the vertebral body, followed by sequential dilatation of the tract until the last cannula reached the anterior portion of the pedicle. Tumors were then ablated with a radiofrequency probe. ITR was performed with marrow nucleus rongeurs, and then cement was injected into the extirpated vertebra. Outcomes were collected preoperatively and at 1, 3 and 6 months and every subsequent 6 months. RESULTS: The rates of pain relief and increased mobility at the last follow-up were higher in group A than those in group B (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in visual analog scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score at 1, 3 and 6 months, 1 year and >1 year in group A than in group B (P < 0.05). The rates of paraplegia recovery and vertebral stability in group A were higher than those in group B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PVP and ITR proved to be an effective approach for patients with malignant vertebral compression fractures and/or spinal metastatic tumor and provided distinct advantages in pain relief, function recovery and vertebral stability that are comparable to that obtained with PVP alone.

Comparison of percutaneous vertebroplasty with and without interventional tumor removal for spinal metastatic tumor without epidural involvement.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) combined with interventional tumor removal (ITR) in providing pain relief, reducing disability, and improving functional performance in patients with malignant vertebral compression fractures without epidural involvement. METHODS: Patients with malignant vertebral compression fractures (n=58) were treated with either PVP+ITR (n=31, group A) or PVP alone (n=27, group B). A 14 G needle was inserted into the vertebral body, and the tract was sequentially dilated with working cannulae. When the last working cannula had reached the distal pedicle of vertebral arch, ITR was performed with a marrow nucleus rongeurs inserted through the working cannula. Finally, cement was injected into the excavated vertebral body. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure, and every 6 months thereafter. RESULTS: The overall excellent and good pain relief rate during follow-ups was significantly better in group A than in group B (94% vs.56%; p=0.002). The average VAS, ODI, and KPS scores at 3 months, 6 months, 1-year, and >1 year were all significantly lower in group A than in group B (p<0.05). The mean cement filling volume and the stability of the treated vertebrae were significantly higher in group A than in group B (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of PVP+ITR is a safe and effective procedure, capable of providing significantly greater pain relief and vertebral stability than PVP alone in patients with malignant vertebral compression fractures.

Safety and efficacy of multilevel vertebroplasty for painful osteolytic spinal metastases: a single-centre experience.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for painful osteolytic spinal metastases when treating more than three vertebrae per session. METHODS: A total of 153 patients with painful osteolytic spinal metastases underwent PVP. Group A patients (n = 93) underwent PVP at up to three vertebral levels per session. Group B patients (n = 60) underwent PVP at more than three levels in one session. Pain, quality of life (QoL), and mobility were assessed before and after PVP. Minor and major complications were systematically assessed. RESULTS: Both groups experienced significant pain relief and QoL improvement after the intervention (p < 0.001). Mobility improvement was observed in both groups, despite worse mobility status before PVP in group B compared with group A. There was no significant difference between the two groups throughout the follow-up period in overall pain relief and improvement in QoL and mobility. There was also no significant difference between groups in minor and major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Multilevel vertebroplasty is safe and effective for the treatment of multiple osteolytic spinal metastases. Multilevel PVP relieves pain and improves QoL and mobility. KEY POINTS: • Percutaneous vertebroplasty is safe and effective for painful osteolytic spinal metastases. • Multilevel vertebroplasty does not cause more complications than single-level vertebroplasty. • Multiple spinal metastases patients may regain functional independence after multilevel vertebroplasty.

Risk Prediction of New Adjacent Vertebral Fractures After PVP for Patients with Vertebral Compression Fractures: Development of a Prediction Model.

PURPOSE: We aim to determine the predictors of new adjacent vertebral fractures (AVCFs) after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) and to construct a risk prediction score to estimate a 2-year new AVCF risk-by-risk factor condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with OVCFs who underwent their first PVP between December 2006 and December 2013 at Hospital A (training cohort) and Hospital B (validation cohort) were included in this study. In training cohort, we assessed the independent risk predictors and developed the probability of new adjacent OVCFs (PNAV) score system using the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. The accuracy of this system was then validated in both training and validation cohorts by concordance (c) statistic. RESULTS: 421 patients (training cohort: n = 256; validation cohort: n = 165) were included in this study. In training cohort, new AVCFs after the first PVP treatment occurred in 33 (12.9%) patients. The independent risk factors were intradiscal cement leakage and preexisting old vertebral compression fracture(s). The estimated 2-year absolute risk of new AVCFs ranged from less than 4% in patients with neither independent risk factors to more than 45% in individuals with both factors. CONCLUSIONS: The PNAV score is an objective and easy approach to predict the risk of new AVCFs.

Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Palliative Treatment of Painful Osteoblastic Spinal Metastases: A Single-Center Experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate safety and efficacy of fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for painful osteoblastic spinal metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PVP was performed in 39 consecutive patients (median age, 60.1 y ± 9.5) with 51 osteoblastic metastatic spinal lesions; 14 patients had pathologic fractures. The patients were followed for 3-30 months (average, 14.5 mo ± 7.4). Visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) were used to evaluate pain, quality of life, and performance status before the procedure and at 3 days and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all patients. Minimal follow-up time was 3 months. Mean VAS scores declined significantly from 7.4 ± 1.1 before the procedure to 2.5 ± 0.9 by day 3 after the procedure and were 2.1 ± 1.1 at 1 month, 2.0 ± 1.1 at 3 months, 1.9 ± 1.1 at 6 months, 1.8 ± 0.9 at 12 months, and 1.7 ± 0.7 at 18 months after the procedure (P < .001). ODI and KPS scores also changed after the procedure, with significant differences between baseline scores and at each follow-up examination (P < .001). Extraosseous cement leakage occurred in 15 cases without causing any clinical complications. CONCLUSIONS: PVP is a safe and effective treatment for painful osteoblastic spinal metastases. It can relieve pain, reduce disability, and improve function.

Comparison of Percutaneous Cementoplasty with and Without Interventional Internal Fixation for Impending Malignant Pathological Fracture of the Proximal Femur.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of percutaneous cementoplasty (PCP) with and without interventional internal fixation (IIF) on malignant impending pathological fracture of proximal femur. METHODS: A total of 40 patients with malignant impending pathological fracture of proximal femur were selected for PCP and IIF (n = 19, group A) or PCP alone (n = 21, group B) in this non-randomized prospective study. Bone puncture needles were inserted into the proximal femur, followed by sequential installation of the modified trocar inner needles through the puncture needle sheath. Then, 15-45 ml cement was injected into the femur lesion. RESULTS: The overall excellent and good pain relief rate during follow-ups were significantly higher in group A than that in group B (89 vs. 57 %, P = 0.034). The average change of VAS, ODI, KPS, and EFES in group A were significantly higher than those in group B at 1-, 3-, 6-month, 1-year (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, The stability of the treated femur was significantly higher in group A than that in group B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PCP and IIF were not only a safe and effective procedure, but resulted in greater pain relief, bone consolidation, and also reduced the risk of fracture than the currently recommended approach of PCP done on malignant proximal femoral tumor.

ANVCFV Score System: Assessment for Probability of New Vertebral Compression Fractures after Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Patients with Vertebral Compression Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is widely used for the treatment of painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). However, new VCFs occur frequently after PVP. OBJECTIVES: We aim to establish an objective risk score system to assess the possibility of new vertebral fractures in patients with VCFs undergoing PVP. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a retrospective study, and it was approved by the Institutional Review Board of our 2 institutions. SETTING: This study consists of patients from 2 large academic centers. METHODS: Patients with VCFs who underwent their first PVP and met the inclusion criteria between January 2007 and December 2013 at Hospital A (training cohort) and Hospital B (validation cohort) were included. In the training cohort, the independent risk factors for new VCFs after PVP were identified by multivariate stepwise backward Cox regression analysis from the risk factors selected by univariate analysis and Harrell's C-statistics and used to develop the score system (assessment for new VCFs after PVP [ANVCFV]) to predict the probability of new VCFs. RESULTS: In total, 397 patients (training cohort: n = 241; validation cohort: n = 156) were included in this study. In the training cohort, the ANVCFV score was developed based on 5 independent risk factors for the new VCFs after PVP, including lower computed tomography (CT) values, pre-existing old VCFs, intradiscal cement leakage, more than one vertebra treated, and superior or inferior marginal cement distribution in the vertebra. The patients were divided into 2 groups by the ANVCFV score of -1.5 to 8.5 vs. > 8.5 points in the probability of new VCFs (median fracture-free time: 1846 vs. 732 days; P < 0.001) in the training cohort. The accuracy of this score system was 77.4% for the training cohort and 85.3% for the validation cohort. LIMITATIONS: The main limitations of this study are that it is a retrospective study and that there is a significant difference of the treated vertebrae of PVP per session between the 2 cohorts. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent their first PVP with an ANVCFV score > 8.5 points may exhibit an increased chance of suffering from new VCFs.

A Rare Case of Calf Muscle Metastasis from a Non-Functional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Carcinoma.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) are uncommon pancreatic neoplasms, accounting for 1-2% of all pancreatic tumors. However, they have a better prognosis and long-term survival compared to exocrine pancreatic cancer. PNETs can be divided into functional or non-functional based upon whether or not they excrete active substances relevant to specific clinical syndromes. Skeletal muscle metastasis is also a rare condition and differentiation between a primary soft tissue sarcoma and metastatic carcinoma is difficult without biopsy. Thus, skeletal muscle metastases from pancreatic neoplasms are exceedingly rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature. We present a 34-year-old man with metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma that was initially thought to be a primary soft tissue tumor. Pathology and immunohistochemistry demonstrated the tumor to be a metastasis from a pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. A brief review of the literature on this subject is also presented.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty of the entire thoracic and lumbar vertebrae for vertebral compression fractures related to chronic glucocorticosteriod use: case report and review of literature.

Glucocorticosteroid-induced osteoporosis is the most frequent of all secondary types of osteoporosis, and can increase the risk of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). There are promising additions to current medical treatment for appropriately selected osteoporotic patients. Few studies have reported on the efficiency of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or kyphoplasty for whole thoracic and lumbar glucocorticosteroid-induced osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. We report a case of a 67-year-old man with intractable pain caused by successional VCFs treated by PVP.