Vertebroplasty: Review of the Procedure in Relation to Patients with Fracture of Osteoporotic Origin

Abstract

Vertebroplasty was initially described by Gallibert and cols. in 1987 to treat symptomatic hemangiomas of the vertebral body. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) is a minimally invasive technique used to reinforce pathological vertebral bodies. It is indicated in symptomatic hemangiomas, vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis and vertebral involvement due to metastasis or multiple myeloma with bone destruction and risk of spinal and/or root involvement. The efficacy of VP is based on its analgesic effect, in addition to preventing vertebral fractures and, in the event of a vertebral fracture already existing, the VP prevents its progression. The technique involves the injection of methyl-methacrylate cement (M-M) into the pathological vertebra, in a semiliquid or pasty state so that in a very short time it polymerizes to a solid state, giving a good support to the vertebral body