Percutaneous vertebral augmentation procedures in the management of spinal metastases

Bone metastasis is a common complication of cancer, and bone is the third most common metastatic site following the lung and liver. Among the various bones, spine is the most common site of metastatic tumors. The treatment goals of patients with spinal metastases are mostly palliative, with the aim of reducing pain and improving quality of life. The treatment of spinal metastases has made significant progress over the past few decades. Each new technology has tried to solve the shortcomings of its predecessors. Currently, there are no mature algorithms or specific techniques that have proven to be the best for spinal metastases, and the treatment method often relies on operator and institutional preferences or biases in some cases. Percutaneous vertebral augmentation has unique value in the management of spinal metastases, understanding its indications, surgical techniques, uses, advantages and complications is critical to providing optimal patient care. We believe that the application of percutaneous vertebral augmentation alone or combined with other techniques can achieve optimal pain relief and functional improvement in the patients with spinal metastases.