Percutaneous polymethylmethacrylate vertebroplasty:methods and clinical application

Objective:To describe the technique and method for percutaneous polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA)vertebroplasty and to evaluate the biomechanical stability of osteoporosis vertebroplasty. Methods:Five cadaveric thoracolumbar spines were harvested and 10 vertebrae were selected randomly.Under C X ray control,percutaneous puncture via a transpedicular approach followed by injection of PMMA was done and then the capacity and thickness of PMMA distribution were recorded.The vertebral bodies of ten cases of osteoporosis depress fracture were compressed after vertebroplasty,and the strength and stiffness were measured.Results:The procedure was technically successful in all specimens,with an average injection amount of 8ml PMMA per vertebral body.PMMA was distributed all over the vertebrae.The strength and stiffness of osteoporosis vertebral bodies had increased from 2197±355N(stiffness,499+86N/mm) to 4861±1109N (stiffness,1128±175N/mm).Conclusion: Percutaneous PMMA vertebroplasty is a valuable clinical therapeutic method in spine osteoporosis depresses fracture.