Percutaneous vertebroplasty complications

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurosurgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a key treatment for osteoporotic and malignant vertebral fractures.
• The procedure involves injecting bone cement into fractured vertebrae.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review complications associated with percutaneous vertebroplasty.
• To classify these complications based on severity and provide mitigation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of percutaneous vertebroplasty procedures and outcomes.
• Classification of complications into mild, moderate, and severe categories.
• Analysis of reported adverse events and their management.

Main Results:

• Mild complications include transient pain increase and hypotension.
• Moderate complications involve cement extravasation into neural spaces.
• Severe complications encompass pulmonary embolism, cardiac/cerebral embolism, and mortality.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous vertebroplasty, while effective, is associated with a spectrum of potential complications.
• Understanding and anticipating these risks are crucial for patient safety.
• Implementing specific techniques can help minimize the occurrence and severity of adverse events.