Multiple-level vertebral body compression fractures treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and procedure of percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP) for the treatment of the pain caused by multiple-level vertebral body compression fractures.Methods 39 cases suffering from fresh multiple-level vertebral body compression fractures,underwent PVP guided by C-arm fluoroscopy in prone position.Visual analgesic scale(VAS) was measured in each patient at 1 d,1week,1month,6 months post-PVP.Results PVP procedures were successful in 129 vertebral bodies of compression fracture and 3~5 vertebral body at one case.The volume of polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA) injected into each vertebral body was from 2.0 mL to 4.0 mL.Without serious complication,31 patients had significant relief of pain after the procedure.The VAS score before vertebroplasty was 8.92± 1.24 compared to a score of 2.74± 1.84 after operation.The mean difference in VAS score was significant(P0.01).The mean difference in VAS score was not significant(P0.05) at 1 d,1week,1month,3 months and 6 months after PVP.Conclusion Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a safe and rapid effective method in treatment of the pain caused by multiple-level vertebral body compression fractures.