Osteoplastic procedures for the treatment of vertebral complications in multiple myeloma patients

Pain induced by vertebral fracture in multiple myeloma can be treated by an osteoplastic procedure. The magnitude of the pain reduction by the procedure depends on the presence of additional causes for pain as spondylosis deformans, osteochondrosis, stenosis of the spinal canal, or intervertebral nerve compression. To identify additional reasons for pain apart from a vertebral fracture-induced pain, a detailed preoperative analysis of the patients complaints is crucial for the outcome after an osteoplastic procedure. In addition, the technical aspects for performing the procedure and potential complications have to be considered as well as the stability of the cortical bone of the respective vertebral body. A complete collapse of the vertebra (vertebra plana) is an unfavorable situation for any osteoplastic procedure. In case of inflammatory or infectious vertebral lesions (e.g. spondylodiscitis) osteoplastic procedures are contraindicated. An interdisciplinary discussion of the individual case among oncologists, radiotherapists, trauma/spien surgeons, radiologists, and osteologists/endocrinologists is a prerequisite for the identification of patients who will truly benefit from an osteoplastic procedure and to avoid overtreatment of the patient and economical exploitation of healthcare providers.