Complications in Vertebroplasty
Areesak Chotivichit MD*, Ekkapoj Korwutthikulrangsri MD*, Anchalee Churojana MD**, Dittapong Songsaeng MD**
Affiliation : * Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Department of Radiology, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Vertebroplasty is one of the minimally invasive surgery that benefit in pain relief from the osteoporotic or
malignancy related vertebral compression fractures. However, many literatures reported both asymptomatic and serious
complications. The aim of the present study was to summarize, collect data and report the complication of vertebroplasty from
our experience at a single institute.
Material and Method: Three hundred and twenty five vertebroplasty procedures from 236 patients performed in our institute
were retrospectively reviewed. Data of diagnosis, age at the time of procedure were collected. All complications found were
reviewed in detail.
Results : Commonly performed procedures were at thoracolumbar junction (51.4%). Osteoporosis was the most common
cause of fracture. The present study found 88 (27%) complications with 26 (8%) symptomatic patients. Most common
complication was cement leakage, which intervertebral disc was the most common site (42.9). Spinal canal leakage was found
in 14 cases (20%). Four out of 14 cases had neurological complications and need further managements. Two cases had
neurologic complications from needle injury. Adjacent level collapse found in 13 patients (4%) and remote segment collapse
occurred in 5 patients (1.5%). Three had progressive kyphosis required later surgical treatment. One asymptomatic cement
pulmonary embolism was found in the present study.
Conclusion : The complications of vertebroplasty were mostly asymptomatic, but serious complication such as neurologic
injury could occur. Vertebroplasty could be considered a quite safe treatment for osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Meticulous
technique should be executed during the procedure to avoid the leakage complication.
Keywords : Vertebroplasty, Osteoporotic compression fracture, Cement leakage
