Application of Percutaneous Osteoplasty in Treating Pelvic Bone Metastases: Efficacy and Safety

Percutaneous vertebroplasty has been a good option to treat vertebral metastases. The pelvic bone is a common site of spread for many cancers. Using follow-up data for 126 patients, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of percutaneous osteoplasty (POP) to treat pelvic bone metastases.

In this retrospective study, 126 patients (mean age 57.45 ± 11.46 years old) with 178 lesions were treated using POP. The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the changes in the patient's use of painkillers were used to evaluate pain and quality of life before the procedure, and at 3 days and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the procedure.

Technical success was achieved in all patients. The mean VAS scores decreased significantly from 6.87 ± 1.33 before the procedure to 3.33 ± 1.94 by day 3 after the procedure (P < 0.05), 2.26 ± 1.59 at 1 month (P < 0.05), 1.89 ± 1.53 at 3 months (P < 0.05), 1.87 ± 1.46 at 6 months (P < 0.05), 1.90 ± 1.47 at 9 months (P < 0.05), and 1.49 ± 1.17 at 12 months (P < 0.05). The ODI also changed after the procedure, with significant differences between baseline scores and at each follow-up examination (P < 0.05). Pain relief was achieved in 118 patients (93.65%); however, pain relief was not obvious in seven patients (5.56%), and pain was aggravated in one patient (0.79%). Extraosseous cement leakage occurred in 35 patients (27.78%) without causing any clinical complications.

Percutaneous osteoplasty is a safe and effective choice for patients with painful osteolytic pelvic bone metastases. It can relieve pain, reduce disability, and improve function.

Level 3b, retrospective study.