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.

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.

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.

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.

Feasibility of percutaneous cementoplasty combined with interventional internal fixation for impending pathologic fracture of the proximal femur.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous cementoplasty and interventional internal fixation for stabilization of impending pathologic fracture of the proximal femur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2012 to August 2013, six consecutive patients (three men and three women; median age, 58.33 y ± 21.45; age range, 18-78 y) who underwent percutaneous cementoplasty plus interventional internal fixation for the treatment of metastases to the proximal femur were retrospectively analyzed. The Karnofsky performance status (KPS) and visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain were assessed before and 1 week after the procedure; moreover, the procedure duration, length of hospital stay, risk of fracture at the procedural site, and complications were assessed. RESULTS: The KPS increased from 66.67 ± 12.11 (range, 60-90) before the procedure to 76.67 ± 13.66 (range, 60-100) 1 week after the procedure. For symptomatic patients (n = 5), the VAS score decreased from 6.80 ± 2.39 (range, 3-9) before the procedure to 1.80 ± 0.84 (range, 1-3) at 1 week after the procedure. The mean procedure duration was 90.00 minutes ± 10.56 (range, 72-102 min). The average length of hospital stay was 7 days ± 2 (range, 4-10 d). The only complication noted consisted of thrombophlebitis in one patient, on the operative side, at 15 days after the procedure. No cases of procedural site fracture during follow-up were noted (median, 192 d; range, 30-365 d). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous cementoplasty plus interventional internal fixation is a feasible technique for stabilization of impending pathologic fracture of the femur.

Combination radiofrequency ablation and percutaneous osteoplasty for palliative treatment of painful extraspinal bone metastasis: a single-center experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate combined radiofrequency (RF) ablation and percutaneous osteoplasty (POP) in patients with painful extraspinal bone metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, 38 patients with 54 extraspinal bone metastases (ilium, n = 24; acetabulum, n = 21; femur, n = 7; ischium, n = 1; tibia, n = 1) were treated with RF ablation and POP. All patients had pain refractory to analgesic medication with intensity > 3 on a visual analog scale (VAS). Changes in quality of life were evaluated based on pain relief (VAS score), function on a Karnofsky performance scale, and analgesic dose before and immediately after the procedure and during follow-up. VAS score was the primary outcome, and the others were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 37 patients (97.4%). Mean VAS score declined significantly from 7.1 ± 1.5 before treatment to 2.2 ± 2.0 at 24 hours after treatment (P < .05), 1.6 ± 1.8 at 3 months after treatment (P < .05), and 1.3 ± 1.8 at 6 months after treatment (P < .05). Pain relief immediately after the procedure was reported by 35 patients (92.1%); pain regressed completely in 7 (18.4%) patients. After 6 months, narcotic analgesia had been suspended in 32 of 33 patients (97.0%). Pain was controlled by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in 8 patients (24.2%), and no analgesia was necessary in 24 patients (72.7%). Mean Karnofsky performance scale score after treatment was higher than before treatment (P < .05). The major complication rate was 2.6% (1 of 38 patients), with one case of vasovagal shock. The minor complication rate was 23.7% (9 of 38 patients). CONCLUSIONS: RF ablation with POP is effective for pain relief and functional recovery in patients with painful extraspinal bone metastases and can significantly improve quality of life.

Safety and efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty and interventional tumor removal for metastatic spinal tumors and malignant vertebral compression fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty and interventional tumor removal in the management of metastatic spinal tumors and malignant vertebral compression fractures. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with metastatic spinal tumors and malignant vertebral compression fractures were treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty and interventional tumor removal. Insertion of a 14-gauge needle and guidewire into the vertebral body was followed by sequential dilation of the track with working cannulae until the last cannula reached the anterior portions of the pedicle. Interventional tumor removal was performed with marrow nucleus rongeurs, and 5-10 mL of cement was injected into the treated vertebra. Outcome data (visual analog scale score, Oswestry disability index score, and Karnofsky performance scale score) were collected preoperatively; 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure; and every 6 months thereafter until death. RESULTS: The overall clinical assessment at the last follow-up evaluation showed that pain was completely resolved in 23 patients, decreased in six patients, and unimproved in two patients, yielding a pain relief rate of 94%. The average preoperative visual analog scale score was 7.2, which decreased to 2.4 at 1 month, 1.9 at 6 months, and 1.6 at 1 year and was maintained at 1.3 at the follow-up evaluations performed after more than 1 year. Statistically significant improvement in Oswestry disability index and Karnofsky performance scale scores was also seen between the preoperative evaluation and every follow-up assessment postoperatively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous vertebroplasty and interventional tumor removal are safe, effective, and minimally invasive palliative therapies for reducing pain and improving function in patients with metastatic spinal tumors and malignant vertebral compression fractures.

Interventional tumor removal: a new technique for malignant spinal tumor and malignant vertebral compression fractures without epidural involvement.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is associated with incomplete pain relief and vertebral instability due to cement leakages. PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of a new method of PVP, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and interventional tumor removal (ITR) for malignant spinal tumor and malignant vertebral compression fractures without epidural involvement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve patients were treated with PVP, RFA, and ITR. A 14 G needle and a guidewire were inserted into the vertebral body, followed by sequential dilatation of the tract with the working cannula until the last working cannula reached the anterior portions of the pedicle. Thereafter, tumors were ablated with a radiofrequency probe, and ITR was performed with a marrow nucleus rongeurs. Then, cement was injected into the extirpated vertebral body. The data were collected and follow-up was performed after 1, 3, and 6 months, and thereafter every 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: PVP, RFA, and ITR were technically successful in all patients. The average preoperative pain visual analog scale (VAS) score was 7.0 ± 1.0, which decreased to 2.1 ± 1.2 at 1 month, to 1.6 ± 1.4 at 6 months, to 1.8 ± 1.7 at 1 year, and was maintained at 1.3 ± 1.1 at >1-year follow-up. A total of 92% patients (11/12) obtained excellent and good pain relief with improvement of quality of life. Seven patients continued with follow-up healthcare, and five patients died of the underlying disease. CONCLUSION: PVP, RFA, and ITR may be a feasible approach for malignant spinal tumor and malignant vertebral compression fractures without epidural involvement.

Comparison of percutaneous vertebroplasty with and without interventional tumour removal for malignant vertebral compression fractures with symptoms of neurological compression.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) with and without interventional tumor removal (ITR) on malignant vertebral compression fractures and symptoms of neurological compression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 52 patients with malignant vertebral compression fractures and symptoms of neurological compression were selected for PVP and ITR (n = 24, group A) or PVP alone (n = 28, group B). A 14-G needle and a guidewire were inserted into the vertebral body, followed by sequential dilatation of the tract with the working cannula until the last working cannula reached the distal pedicle of the vertebral arch. ITR was performed with marrow nucleus rongeurs. Then, 5-10 mL cement was injected into the extirpated vertebral body. RESULTS: PVP procedures with and without ITR were successful in all patients, except for one patient in group A. The clinical assessment obtained at the initial and final follow-up indicated that the rates of full recovery and improved neurological compression symptoms were significantly higher in group A than in group B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Treatment of malignant vertebral compression fractures with symptoms of neurological compression with PVP and ITR resulted in better intermediate-term clinical results in terms of improved neurological compression symptoms than the currently recommended approach of PVP. KEY POINTS: • Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is now widely used for vertebral collapse due to malignancy • PVP can be coupled with interventional tumour removal (ITR) • PVP coupled with ITR provided better clinical results for neurological compression • PVP coupled with ITR provided better pain relief • PVP and ITR can remove tumour and helps prevent polymethyl methacrylate leakage.

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.

Percutaneous sacroplasty for sacral metastatic tumors under fluoroscopic guidance only.

Percutaneous sacroplasty is a safe and effective procedure for sacral insufficient fractures under CT or fluoroscopic guidance; although, few reports exist about sacral metastatic tumors. We designed a pilot study to treat intractable pain caused by a sacral metastatic tumor with sacroplasty. A 62-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman with medically intractable pain due to metastatic tumors of S1 from lymphoma and lung cancer, respectively, underwent percutaneous sacroplasty. Over the course of the follow-up period, the two patients experienced substantial and immediate pain relief that persisted over a 3-month and beyond. The woman had deposition of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) in the needle track, but did not experience significant symptoms. No other peri-procedural complications were observed for either patient.

Prospective evaluation of transabdominal percutaneous lumbar discectomy for L5-S1 disc herniation: initial clinical experience.

OBJECT: Anterior approaches to the lumbosacral spine have become an increasingly common procedure in spine surgery, but transabdominal percutaneous lumbar discectomy (TPLD) performed anteriorly under fluoroscopic guidance is challenging. In this study the authors describe the TPLD and evaluate its safety and early clinical results in the management of L5-S1 disc herniation. METHODS: Between January 2005 and June 2007, 30 consecutive patients with L5-S1 disc herniation were treated with L5-S1 TPLD. All procedures were performed with the patient in a state of local anesthesia. After bowel preparation, the hypogastrium was compressed to move the intestinal canal away from the puncture site. The TPLD was then performed with fluoroscopic guidance to remove herniated disc material. Patients were evaluated prospectively using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) during

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.

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.

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.

Anatomic and spiral computed tomographic study of the genial tubercles for genioglossus advancement.

OBJECTIVE: To measure and compare Chinese mandibular genial tubercles measured anatomically and with computed tomography (CT). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Spiral CT scans were taken of 40 adult human skulls; the superior genial spines were measured using anatomic and CT methods. RESULTS: The height and width of the superior genial spines, mandible thickness, and distance from the menton to the inferior and superior margins of the superior genial spines were 5.82 +/- 0.71, 6.98 +/- 1.35, 11.95 +/- 1.59, 11.08 +/- 2.05, and 16.91 +/- 2.30 mm from anatomic measurements and 6.17 +/- 0.71, 7.01 +/- 1.13, 12.19 +/- 1.64, 10.41 +/- 1.55, and 15.73 +/- 2.12 mm using spiral CT, respectively. The anatomic and CT measurements were correlated. CONCLUSION: Spiral CT of the genial tubercles can help locate the osteotomy in genioglossus advancement. SIGNIFICANCE: This study acquired reference data on Chinese genial tubercles demonstrating that CT measurements of the genial tubercles reflect their anatomy, which should allow accurately locate the osteotomy.