Ultrasound-assisted Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Upper and Mid-thoracic Osteoporotic Fracture

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) is a common disease among the elderly individuals. With the aging of the population development, the incidence of OVCF is increasing. Cementation of vertebral body like percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is a minimally invasive and effective treatment. However, the application in upper and mid-thoracic vertebrae is rare for poor fluoroscopy view caused by osteopenia vertebral body itself and scapula, sternum block. Inaccurate puncture and high radiation exposure of PVP in upper and mid-thoracic vertebrae still challenge surgeons. Owing to the ability of musculoskeletal ultrasound in revealing the clear real-time view of soft tissues and skeleton, the authors use intraoperative ultrasound-guided PVP to treat eight patients with upper or mid-thoracic vertebra body OVCFs, which has been tested to be a safe, feasible and satisfied technique after the operation and follow-up. To the authors' knowledge, this technique has not been reported elsewhere.   Key Words: Ultrasound, Percutaneous vertebroplasty, Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture, Upper and mid-thoracic vertebra body.