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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Nine-Grid Area Division Method: A New Ideal Bone Puncture Region for Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Lumbar Spine
Published on: August 9, 2024
Medium-term results of percutaneous vertebroplasty in multiple myeloma
Luis Ramos1, José Antonio de Las Heras, Sergio Sánchez
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain. luisramosp@ono.com
Abstract:
Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are common in multiple myeloma (MM). Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is used to stabilize vertebral collapse and treat the pain. Few studies have been carried out on PVP in MM and follow-up has tended to be short. We have prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of PVP in the VCFs resulting from MM or plasmacytomas. Nineteen PVP were performed in 12 consecutive patients. We monitored their pain and functional status using visual analog (VAS) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale, respectively. For a subjective assessment, every patient was asked about his/her degree of satisfaction. The mean age of the participants was 66 yr. Significant improvement occurred 1 d after PVP according to the VAS score (7.5 pre-PVP to 3.7, P < 0.0001) and ECOG assessment (3.1 to 2.5, P = 0.002). This significant improvement was maintained after 3.2 yr of follow-up. Sixty-three percent of patients were highly satisfied with the result of the PVP and 37% were satisfied. The peri-operative mortality was 0%. Leakage of the cement outside of the vertebral body was noted in 16 of 19 injected vertebrae (84%) but none of the patients developed any clinical or neurological symptoms. At the last follow-up, no further collapse in the treated or neighboring vertebrae was noted. VCFs caused by MM or plasmacytomas can be effectively treated by vertebroplasty. PVP is associated with early clinical improvement of pain and function and can be maintained after a long follow-up without major procedure-related complications.
Insights
Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) effectively treats vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients, significantly improving pain and function with lasting results and no major complications.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Interventional Radiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are a frequent complication of multiple myeloma (MM).
- Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is a minimally invasive procedure used to stabilize VCFs and alleviate associated pain.
- Limited research exists on PVP's long-term outcomes specifically in MM patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively assess the safety and efficacy of PVP for VCFs in patients with MM or plasmacytomas.
- To evaluate the impact of PVP on pain and functional status.
- To determine patient satisfaction and long-term outcomes following PVP.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 19 PVP procedures in 12 consecutive MM or plasmacytoma patients.
- Pain and functional status were monitored using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale.
- Patient satisfaction and long-term follow-up data were collected.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in pain (VAS score) and improvement in functional status (ECOG) were observed one day post-PVP (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.002, respectively).
- These improvements were sustained over a mean follow-up of 3.2 years.
- 84% of procedures had cement leakage, but no clinical or neurological symptoms occurred. Peri-operative mortality was 0%.
Conclusions:
- PVP is a safe and effective treatment for VCFs caused by MM or plasmacytomas.
- The procedure provides early and sustained relief from pain and functional impairment.
- PVP offers a low-risk, high-satisfaction option for managing VCFs in this patient population.