Vertebroplasty in the Mid- and Upper Thoracic Spine

• Published in: American journal of neuroradiology : AJNR 2002-08, Vol.23 (7), p.1117-1120
• Main Authors: Kallmes, David F, Schweickert, Patricia A, Marx, William F, Jensen, Mary E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Injections, Spinal; Medical sciences; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Osteoporosis - complications; Osteoporosis - therapy; Osteoporosis. Osteomalacia. Paget disease; Pain - etiology; Pain Management; Postoperative Complications - etiology; Postoperative Complications - therapy; Recurrence; Retrospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Spinal Fractures - etiology; Spinal Fractures - therapy; Spine; Thoracic Vertebrae - surgery; Treatment Outcome; Virginia
• ISSN: 0195-6108; 1936-959X

Vertebroplasty performed in the mid- and upper thoracic spine presents technical challenges that differ from those in the lower thoracic and lumbar region. We herein report results of percutaneous vertebroplasty for treatment of painful, osteoporotic compression fractures in the mid- and upper thoracic spine. Retrospective chart review identified vertebroplasty treatments performed for painful osteoporotic compression fractures at T4-T8. The following were catalogued: percentage of vertebral body compression, needle size, surgical approach, clinical outcome, volume of cement injected, and complications. Sixty-three vertebral bodies were treated in 41 patients. Mean percentage of compression was 44%. Bipediculate injections were used in 12 (19%) of 63 treatment levels, and unipediculate injections were used in 51 (81%) of treatments (75 injections performed). Eleven-gauge needles were used for 55 (73%) of the 75 injections, and 13-gauge needles were used for 20 (27%). Clinical follow-up was available for 76% of the patients. Mean pre- and postoperative pain intensity was 9.7 +/- 1.0 and 1.7 +/- 1.9, respectively (P