Percutaneous osteoplasty with use of a cement-filled catheter for a pathologic fracture of the humerus.

ABSTRACT

Percutaneous osteoplasty has been used for pathologic fractures of long bones as an adjunct to orthopedic surgery. The present report describes a case of percutaneous osteoplasty with a cement-filled catheter and cement augmentation as the principal therapy to unite a painful pathologic fracture of the humerus. After the procedure, the patient experienced immediate pain relief and improved limb mobility. Percutaneous osteoplasty with this method holds promise as a treatment for pathologic fractures of the humerus that are not amenable to surgical repair.