Cadaveric device-injected very high-viscosity cement during vertebroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurosurgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Cement extravasation is a common complication in vertebroplasty (VP).
• High-viscosity cement (HVC) injection is challenging but crucial for reducing leakage risks.
• A novel device was developed to facilitate HVC injection and minimize radiation exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new device for injecting HVC in cadaveric vertebrae.
• To compare cement leakage and procedural success rates between the new device and conventional VP.

Main Methods:

• Eighty osteoporotic vertebrae were randomized into Conventional VP and New Device groups.
• Groups were further divided into high-viscosity and low-viscosity cement subgroups.
• A custom device induced compression fractures for testing.

Main Results:

• HVC injection, particularly with the new device, resulted in significantly lower cement leakage volumes compared to low-viscosity cement.
• No instances of spinal canal leakage or vascular extravasation were observed with HVC.
• The new device achieved target cement injection in 99% of HVC cases, versus 62% for conventional VP.

Conclusions:

• The new device enables easier and safer injection of HVC, reducing cement leakage.
• It effectively minimizes the risk of radiation exposure for surgeons.
• This technology offers a promising advancement in vertebroplasty procedures.