Incorporating the Spine Instability Neoplastic Score into a Treatment Strategy for Spinal Metastasis: LMNOP

Study Design Review. Objective To describe a decision framework that incorporates key factors to be considered for optimal treatment of spinal metastasis and highlight how this system incorporates the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS). Methods We describe how treatment options for spinal metastasis have broadened in recent years with advancements in stereotactic radiosurgery, vertebral augmentation, and other minimally invasive techniques. We discuss classification-based approaches to the treatment of spinal metastasis versus principles-based approaches and argue that the latter may be more appropriate for optimal patient informed consent. Case examples are provided. Results Scoring systems at best produce an estimate of life expectancy but fall short in incorporating all of the relevant factors that determine which treatment(s) may be indicated. We advocate a principle-based decision framework called LMNOP that considers: (L) location of disease with respect to the anterior and/or posterior columns of the spine and number of spinal levels involved (contiguous or non-contiguous); (M) mechanical instability as graded by SINS; (N) neurology (symptomatic epidural spinal cord compression); (O) oncology (histopathologic diagnosis), particularly with respect to radiosensitivity; and (P) patient fitness, patient wishes, prognosis (which is mostly dependent on tumor type), and response to prior therapy. Conclusions LMNOP is the first systematic approach to spinal metastasis that incorporates SINS. It is easy to remember, it addresses clinical factors not directly addressed by other systems, and it is adaptable to changes in technology.

Orthogeriatrics moving forward

The role of the orthogeriatrician has grown over the last few years. Orthogeriatrics was primarily involved in the care and management of fragility hip fractures, but has recently been expanded to provide specialist care to patients admitted with other various fractures, the spine, pelvis, appendicular, and those suffered from major trauma. There is also an increasing role for the orthogeriatrician to optimise the pre-operative care of patients undergoing elective joint and spine surgery. Much of what we do incorporates comprehensive geriatric assessment of the frail older person, and research into new and innovative ways of managing various types of fragility fractures such as the use of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways, regional anaesthesia, vertebral augmentation in spinal fractures, sacral augmentation and anabolic treatment in pelvic fractures. Ultimately, this reduces post-operative complication rates, improves outcomes and leads to better patient care and recovery.

Injectable citrate-modified Portland cement for use in vertebroplasty

The injectability of Portland cement (PC) with several citrate additives was investigated for use in clinical applications such as vertebroplasty (stabilization of a fractured vertebra with bone cement) using a syringe. A 2-wt % addition of sodium or potassium citrate with PC significantly improved cement injectability, decreased cement setting times from over 2 h to below 25 min, while increasing the compressive strength to a maximum of 125 MPa. Zeta-potential measurements indicated that the citrate anion was binding to one or more of the positively charged species causing charged repulsion between cement particles which dispersed aggregates and caused the liquefying effect of the anion. Analysis of the hydrating phases of PC indicated that the early strength producing PC phase (ettringite) developed within the first 2 h of setting following addition of the citrate anion, while this did not occur in the control cement (PC only). Within 24 h ettringite developed in PC as well as calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H), the major setting phase of PC, whereas cements containing citrate did not develop this phase. The evidence suggested that in the presence of citrate the cements limited water supply appeared to be utilized for ettringite formation, producing the early strength of the citrate cements. The present study has demonstrated that it is possible to modify PC with citrate to both improve the injectability and crucially reduce the setting times of PC while improving the strength of the cement. © 2014 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1799–1808, 2014.

Experimental and computational approach investigating burst fracture augmentation using PMMA and calcium phosphate cements

The aim of the study was to use a computational and experimental approach to evaluate, compare and predict the ability of calcium phosphate (CaP) and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) augmentation cements to restore mechanical stability to traumatically fractured vertebrae, following a vertebroplasty procedure. Traumatic fractures (n = 17) were generated in a series of porcine vertebrae using a drop-weight method. The fractured vertebrae were imaged using μCT and tested under axial compression. Twelve of the fractured vertebrae were randomly selected to undergo a vertebroplasty procedure using either a PMMA (n = 6) or a CaP cement variation (n = 6). The specimens were imaged using μCT and re-tested. Finite element models of the fractured and augmented vertebrae were generated from the μCT data and used to compare the effect of fracture void fill with augmented specimen stiffness. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in failure load were found for both of the augmented specimen groups compared to the fractured group. The experimental and computational results indicated that neither the CaP cement nor PMMA cement could completely restore the vertebral mechanical behavior to the intact level. The effectiveness of the procedure appeared to be more influenced by the volume of fracture filled rather than by the mechanical properties of the cement itself.

Effects of bone cement on intervertebral disc degeneration

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is popular for the treatment of intractable pain due to vertebral collapse from various lesions, intervertebral disk leakage of cement is a frequent complication. The aim of this study was to determine whether bone cement causes disc degeneration, and to evaluate the degree of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) according to the time period following cement injection, and the type and volume of cement injected. Sixteen dogs were randomly divided into two groups that were sacrificed at 12 or 24 weeks following cement injection. Five intervertebral discs in each dog were studied, including one control untreated disc and four discs randomly injected with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or calcium phosphate cement (CPC) in two quantities. Radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were performed prior to animal sacrifice. T2-weighted mid-sagittal images of the discs were qualitatively analyzed for evidence of degeneration by calculating the MRI index, and all harvested discs were studied histopathologically. IDD was not evident in control discs. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in the MRI index and the histological grade of disc degeneration in terms of the time period following cement injection, as well as the type and volume of cement injected. Result indicate that direct contact with PMMA and CPC can lead to IDD. However, IDD induced by PMMA was more severe than that induced by CPC. The extent of IDD was found to correlate with the time period post-cement injection and the volume of cement injected into the disc. PMMA and CPC may lead to intervertebral disc degeneration. Intervertebral disc degeneration induced by PMMA is more serious than that of CPC. The degree of intervertebral disc degeneration is correlative to the time after operation and the doses of bone cement.

Complications of neuroimaging

Modern imaging techniques with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have revolutionized neuroimaging. While eliminating the risks of invasive procedures, new risks must now be considered before ordering neuroimaging. Advanced imaging techniques with CT may pose a risk of significant radiation exposure. Contrast may pose a risk in patients with pre-existing renal failure. MR is associated with risks related to the static magnetic field, to risks associated with the magnetic field gradients, and to risk from contrast media. Neurointervenional techniques allow for nonoperative treatment of a variety of intracranial and spinal pathologies, but with associated risks of embolization, radiation exposure, bleeding complications at the access site and a potential for contrast-related nephropathy.

Bone cement embolism attached to central venous catheter

We report on a rare complication of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), injected into the spine, which then inadvertently leaked into the venous system. This resulted in an embolism of PMMA and produced a mass surrounding a triple lumen central venous catheter located in the superior vena cava. The catheter as well as the attached mass of PMMA was retrieved safely by cardiothoracic surgery. This case emphasizes the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment and illustrates the need for close monitoring of patients undergoing any spinal surgery that includes vertebroplasty.

Epidural and intradural cement leakage following percutaneous vertebroplasty: a case report

A 48-year-old woman presented with severe bilateral leg pain, urinary incontinence, and paraparesis following vertebroplasty in another hospital 15 days earlier. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed blocks of epidural and intradural cement from T12 to L1 with neurological compression. She underwent corpectomy of L1 and removal of extradural cement, followed by anterior reconstruction with an expandable cage and dual rodscrew construct (Kaneda system). Postoperatively, the patient had minimal improvement in leg pain and neurological deficit. Computed tomographic myelography was therefore performed and revealed complete blockage, which is suspected to be due to intradural cement leakage. The patient underwent posterior durotomy and removal of the cement. Postoperatively, the patient reported immediate pain relief. Her neurological status gradually improved over months. At the 2-year follow-up, the patient was able to walk with support and to perform activities of daily living and had regained her urinary function.

Kyphoplasty for vertebral augmentation in the elderly with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: scenarios and review of recent studies

BACKGROUND

Vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis are among the most common fractures in the elderly. The treatment focuses on pain control, maintenance of independence, and management of the osteoporosis. Elderly patients often encounter adverse effects to pain medications, do not tolerate bed rest, and are not ideal candidates for invasive spinal reconstructive surgery. Percutaneous vertebral augmentation (vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty) has become popular as a less-invasive alternative. However, studies have questioned the effectiveness of these procedures.

METHODS

The authors conducted a MEDLINE search using relevant search terms including osteoporosis, osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture, elderly, kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty.

CASE SUMMARY/RESULTS

Two elderly patients presented with a fracture of their third and first lumbar vertebral body, respectively. One patient progressed well with conservative treatment, whereas the other patient was hospitalized secondary to pain after conservative measures failed to offer improvement. The hospitalized patient subsequently opted for a kyphoplasty and was able to resume his normal daily activities after the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Selecting patients on an individual case-by-case basis can optimize the effectiveness and outcomes of a vertebral augmentation. This process includes the documentation of an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with the aide of imaging studies, including the acuity of the fracture as well as the correlation with the physical examination findings. Patients who are functional and improving under a conservative regimen are not candidates for kyphoplasty. However, if the conservative management is not successful after 4 to 6 weeks and the patient is at risk to become bedridden, an augmentation should be considered. A kyphoplasty procedure may be preferred over vertebroplasty, given the lower risk profile and better outcomes regarding spinal alignment.

Current status of percutaneous vertebroplasty and percutaneous kyphoplasty--a review

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) and kyphoplasty (PK) are the 2vertebral augmentation procedures that have emerged as minimally invasive surgical options to treat painful vertebral compression fractures (VCF) during the last 2 decades. VCF may either be osteoporotic or tumor-associated. Two hundred million women are affected by osteoporosis globally. Vertebral fracture may result in acute pain around the fracture site, loss of vertebral height due to vertebral collapse, spinal instability, and kyphotic deformity. The main goal of the PV and PK procedures is to give immediate pain relief to patients and restore the vertebral height lost due to fracture. In percutaneous vertebroplasty, bone cement is injected through a minimal incision into the fractured site. Kyphoplasty involves insertion of a balloon into the fractured site, followed by inflation-deflation to create a cavity into which the filler material is injected, and the balloon is taken out prior to cement injection. This literature review presents a qualitative overview on the current status of vertebral augmentation procedures,especially PV and PK, and compares the efficacy and safety of these 2 procedures. The review consists of a brief history of the development of these 2 techniques, a discussion on the current research on the bone cement, clinical outcome of the 2 procedures, and it also sheds light on ongoing and future research to maximize the efficacy and safety of vertebral augmentation procedures.

New perspective for third generation percutaneous vertebral augmentation procedures: Preliminary results at 12 months

Introduction:

The prevalence of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) increased in the last years. Compression fractures promote a progressive spine kyphosis increase, resulting in a weight shift and anterior column overload, with OVF additional risk (domino effect). The aim of this study is to evaluate the OVF treatment outcome using Spine Jack^®, a titanium device for third generation percutaneous vertebral augmentation procedures (PVAPs).

Materials and Methods:

From February 2010, a prospective randomized study was performed examining 300 patients who underwent PVAP due to OVF type A1 according to Magerl/AO spine classification. Patients enrolled in the study were divided in two homogenous groups with regards to age (65-85 years), sex, and general clinical findings. Group A included 150 patients who underwent PVAP using Spine Jack^® system; the second, group B (control group), included 150 patients treated by conventional balloon kyphoplasty. Patients underwent a clinical (visual analogue scale and Oswestry disability index) and radiographic follow-up, with post-operative standing plain radiogram of the spine at 1, 6, and 12 months. The radiographic parameters that were taken into account were: Post-operative anterior vertebral body height, pre-operative anterior vertebral body height, cephalic anterior vertebral body height, and caudal anterior vertebral body height.

Results:

Compared to the Spine Jack^® group, the kyphoplasty group required a little longer operation time (an average of 40 min–group A vs. 45 min–group B, P < 0.05) and a greater amount of polymethylmethacrylate (4.0 mL–group A vs. 5.0 mL–group B, P < 0.05;). The post-operative increase in vertebral body height was greater in the Spine Jack^® group than in the kyphoplasty group (P < 0.05).

Discussion:

PVAP are based on the cement injection into the vertebral body. Vertebroplasty does not allow the vertebral body height recovery. Balloon kyphoplasty allows a temporary height restoration. Spine Jack^® has some new features compared to other systems: It is equipped with a mechanical and not a hydraulic opening control; this ensures a gradual and controlled vertebral fracture reduction.

Conclusions:

In our study, we demonstrated that the third generation PVAP with Spine Jack^® is able to determine a safe vertebral body height restoration compared to the conventional balloon kyphoplasty.

Does the cement stiffness affect fatigue fracture strength of vertebrae after cement augmentation in osteoporotic patients?

PURPOSE

Normal progression of osteoporosis or the rigid reinforcement of the fractured vertebral body with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cement is being discussed as a cause for adjacent-level fractures after vertebroplasty. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether augmentation with low stiffness cement can decrease the risk of adjacent-level fractures in low-quality bone.

METHODS

Eighteen female osteoporotic lumbar specimens (L1-L5) were harvested and divided into three groups according to bone mineral density: (I) native; (II) PMMA; (III) modified PMMA (lower stiffness). For the PMMA and modified PMMA groups, a compression fracture was first mechanically induced in L3, and then the fracture received vertebroplasty treatment. The cement stiffness reduction of the modified PMMA group was achieved via an addition of 8 mL of serum to the typical PMMA base. All specimens were exposed to cyclic loading (4 Hz) and a stepwise increasing applied peak force. Cement stiffness was tested according to ISO 5833.

RESULTS

A 51% decrease in cement stiffness was achieved in the modified PMMA group (954 ± 141 vs. 1,937 ± 478 MPa, p < 0.001). Fatigue fracture force (the force level during cyclic loading at which the deformation experienced a sudden increase; FFF) was significantly affected by bone quality (r (2) = 0.39, p = 0.006) and by the initial fracture force (the force necessary to create the initial fracture in L3 prior to augmentation; r (2) = 0.82, p < 0.001). Using initial fracture force as a covariate, the FFF of the modified PMMA group (1,764 ± 49 N) was significantly higher than in the PMMA group (1,544 ± 55 N; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

A possible method to reduce adjacent-level fractures after vertebroplasty in patients with reduced bone quality could be the use of a lower modulus cement. Therefore, mixing cement with biocompatible fluids could prove useful to tailor cement properties in the operating theater.

Vertebral compression fractures: a review of current management and multimodal therapy

Vertebral compression fractures are a prevalent disease affecting osteoporotic patients. When symptomatic, they cause significant pain and loss of function and have a high public health impact. In this paper we outline the diagnosis and management of these patients, with evidence-based review of treatment outcomes for the various therapeutic options. Diagnosis involves a clinical history focusing on the nature of the patient’s pain as well as various imaging studies. Management is multimodal in nature and starts with conservative therapy consisting of analgesic medication, medication for osteoporosis, physical therapy, and bracing. Patients who are refractory to conservative management may be candidates for vertebral augmentation through either vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty.

Transoral C2 biopsy and vertebroplasty

Pathologic fractures involving the C2 vertebral body and odontoid process pose a unique dilemma, as the surgical approach for direct odontoid process screw fixation has several limitations. There have been a small number of transoral approach C2 vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty reported in the literature. Previous attempts were performed utilizing fluoroscopy or CT guidance. We report a case of a fluoroscopically guided transor-al approach vertebroplasty in a patient with a lytic lesion involving the C2 vertebral body, extending into the odontoid process with an underlying pathologic fracture. This case is unique as two separate punctures were required in order to adequately stabilize the pathologic fracture, CTA was performed preoperatively to better evaluate regional vasculature, and a post-procedure rotational flat panel CT was performed to assess cement placement.

Significance of preoperative MRI in establishing levels of augmentation for percutaneous vertebroplasty

Objectives

To determine whether X-ray, computed tomography (CT), bone scan, and clinical impression accurately reflect the level of vertebral fracture in patients about to undergo vertebroplasty.

Design

Retrospective observational study, utilizing patient inpatient notes, referral correspondence, and clinicians’ private notes.

Setting

Single center – all patients referred to one pain medicine physician for vertebroplasty who subsequently had the procedure.

Participants

All patients referred to a pain physician (PJG) over a 4-year period, who had a presumptive diagnosis of vertebral fracture(s) from the referring consultant physician, based on imaging other than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical impression. Participants then had an MRI and subsequent vertebroplasty under the care of the pain physician. Participants were identified retrospectively from the vertebroplasty procedure list.

Intervention

Nil.

Main outcome measure

Number of cases in which the MRI identified a different level of pathology than X-ray, CT, bone scan, and clinical impression.

Results

In 50% (28/56) of patients MRI identified a fracture at a different level to that which was presumed to be the cause of patient pain on the basis of X-ray, CT, and clinical impression.

Conclusion

MRI is an essential investigation to determine accurately the level of fracture in osteoporotic patients. Studies on the effectiveness of treatment of vertebral fractures that do not utilize MRI in every case are unlikely to be accurate.

Repeat vertebroplasty for the subsequent refracture of procedured vertebra

Vertebroplasty (VP) can effectively treat pain and immobility caused by vertebral compression fracture. Because of complications such as extravasation of bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA) and adjacent vertebral fractures, some practitioners prefer to inject a small volume of PMMA. In that case, however, insufficient augmentation or a subsequent refracture of the treated vertebrae can occur. A 65-year-old woman visited our clinic complaining of unrelieved severe low back and bilateral flank pain even after she had undergone VP on the 1(st) and 4(th) (L1 and L4) lumbar vertebrae a month earlier. Radiologic findings showed the refracture of L1. We successfully performed the repeat VP by filling the vertebra with a sufficient volume of PMMA, and no complications occurred. The patient's pain and immobility resolved completely three days after the procedure and she remained symptom-free a month later. In conclusion, VP with small volume cement impaction may fail to relieve fracture-induced symptoms, and the refracture of an augmented vertebral body may occur. In this case, repeat VP can effectively resolve both the persistent symptoms and problems of new onset resulting from refracture of the augmented vertebral body due to insufficient volume of bone cement.

Posterior decompression and short segmental pedicle screw fixation combined with vertebroplasty for Kümmell's disease with neurological deficits

The aim of this study was to investigate the treatment of Kümmell’s disease with neurological deficits and to determine whether intravertebral clefts are a pathognomonic sign of Kümmell’s disease. A total of 17 patients who had initially been diagnosed with Kümmell’s disease were admitted, one patient was excluded from this study. Posterior decompression and vertebroplasty for the affected vertebrae were conducted. Pedicle screw fixation and posterolateral bone grafts were performed one level above and one level below the affected vertebrae. Vertebral tissue was extracted for histopathological examination. The mean time of follow-up was 22 months (range, 18 to 42 months). The anterior and middle vertebral heights were measured on standing lateral radiographs prior to surgery, one day postoperatively and at final follow-up. The Cobb angle, the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Frankel classification were used to evaluate the effects of the surgery. The VAS, anterior and middle vertebral heights and the Cobb angle were improved significantly one day postoperatively and at the final follow-up compared with the preoperative examinations (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed between the one-day postoperative results and those at final follow-up (P>0.05). The neurological function of all patients was improved by at least one Frankel grade. All patients in this study exhibited intravertebral clefts, and postoperative pathology revealed bone necrosis. One patient (not included in this study) showed an intravertebral cleft, but the pathology report indicated a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The intravertebral cleft sign is not pathognomonic of Kümmell’s disease. Posterior decompression with short-segment fixation and fusion combined with vertebroplasty is an effective treatment for Kümmell’s disease with neurological deficits.

Pulmonary cement embolism after pedicle screw vertebral stabilization

Pulmonary arterial embolization of polymethylmethacrylate cement, most usually occurring after vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, is very uncommon following vertebral stabilization procedures. Unenhanced CT scans viewed at lung window settings allow confident identification of cement emboli in the pulmonary circulation along with possible associate parenchymal changes, whereas hyperdense emboli may be less conspicuous on CT-angiographic studies with high-flow contrast medium injection. Although clinical manifestations are largely variable from asymptomatic cases to severe respiratory distress, most cases are treated with anticoagulation.

Prospective comparison of the therapeutic effect of teriparatide with that of combined vertebroplasty with antiresorptive agents for the treatment of new-onset adjacent vertebral compression fracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty

Most post-vertebroplasty new-onset adjacent vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) occur within 2-3 months, and antiresorptive agents do not significantly reduce the risk of their occurrence. In opposite mechanism, teriparatide directly stimulates bone formation and improves bone strength and quality faster. The therapeutic effect of teriparatide is better than that of vertebroplasty combined with an antiresorptive treatment and is a potentially useful therapy for new-onset adjacent VCFs after vertebroplasty.

INTRODUCTION

Following vertebroplasty, patients are at increased risk of new-onset adjacent-level VCFs. The therapeutic effect of antiresorptive agents is too slow, and they are associated with the risk of new VCFs. Teriparatide markedly increases bone formation and strength and reduces the incidence of new-onset VCFs. This prospective cohort study compared the therapeutic effects of teriparatide with those of combined vertebroplasty and an anti-resorber for treating new-onset adjacent VCFs after vertebroplasty.

METHODS

Fifty patients with adjacent VCFs were randomly assigned to two groups: teriparatide only (group A) and additional vertebroplasty combined with an antiresorptive agent (group B). Relevant clinical data of the two groups were prospectively compared.

RESULTS

The 22 patients in group A were at higher risk of new VCFs than those in group B (22 patients); they were older and had more pre-existing fractures (p < 0.05). Patients treated with teriparatide had a significantly lower incidence of new-onset VCFs (odds ratio = 0.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-2.10). Teriparatide-mediated VCF reduction was 78.57%, which was markedly better than that of group B. The teriparatide group had a significant decrease in the visual analog scale and an increase in the Japanese Orthopedic Association low back pain score after 6 months of treatment (p < 0.05). The increase in lumbar spine BMD was marked in the teriparatide group (21.70% vs. 6.87%) after an 18-month treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of post-vertebroplasty adjacent VCFs with teriparatide (no new vertebroplasty) was more effective than that of repeated vertebroplasties combined with an anti-resorber.

Effectiveness of a bone substitute (CERAMENT™) as an alternative to PMMA in percutaneous vertebroplasty: 1-year follow-up on clinical outcome

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of an injectable and partly absorbable calcium bone cement (CERAMENT™, Bone Support, Sweden) in the treatment of osteoporotic or traumatic vertebral fractures by percutaneous vertebroplasty.

METHODS

From March 2009 to October 2010 an open, prospective study in two centres was performed. 33 patients with symptomatic vertebral fractures were enrolled. Patients were included based on evaluation by X-ray, CT, and MRI. Clinical evaluation by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 0-10) and Oswestry Disability index test (ODI, 0-100 %) was performed before the operation as well as 1, 6 and 12 months after the procedure. Radiology assessment post-procedure was carried out by X-ray, CT, and MRI at 1, 6 and 12 months post-op. Intake of analgesic medications pre- and post-procedure was monitored.

RESULTS

66 vertebral bodies underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty. VAS score demonstrated a significant decrease from 8.61 (SD 19.8) pre-operatively to 2.48 (SD 2.36) at 1 month. The score was 2.76 (SD 2.68) at 6 months and 1.36 (SD 1.33) at the latest follow up. ODI score dropped significantly from 58.86 pre-op to 26.94 at 6 months and further down to 7.61 at 12 months. No re-fractures or adjacent level fractures were reported.

CONCLUSION

Data show that CERAMENT can be a substitute of PMMA in the treatment of osteoporotic and traumatic vertebral fractures, especially in young patients.

Strategy for bone metastases treatment in patients with impending cord compression or vertebral fractures: a pilot study

Impending spinal cord compression and vertebral fractures are considered contraindications for radionuclide bone pain palliation therapy. However, most of the patients with widespread bone metastases already have weakened vertebral segments that may be broken. Therefore, local field external-beam radiotherapy or percutaneous vertebroplasty (VP) should be considered to improve the patient's quality of life and to institute subsequent appropriate treatment, including radionuclide therapy for bone pain palliation. The objective of this study was to develop a strategy for an effective treatment of bone metastases in patients with widespread bone metastases and intolerable pain, associated with impending cord compression or vertebral fractures. Eleven patients (5 females and 6 males, aged 32-62 years; mean age 53.8 ± 2.7 years) with multiple skeletal metastases from carcinomas of prostate (n = 3), breast (n = 3) and lung (n = 5) were studied. Their mean pain score measured on a visual analogue scale of 10 was found to be 8.64 ± 0.15 (range 8-9) and the mean number of levels with impending cord compression or vertebral fracture was 2.64 ± 0.34 (range 1-4). All patients underwent vertebroplasty and after 3-7 days received Sm-153 ethylene diamine tetra methylene phosphonic acid (EDTMP) therapy. Sm-153 EDTMP was administered according to the recommended standard bone palliation dose of 37 MBq/kg body weight. Whole body (WB) bone scan, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed before and after treatment in all patients. Pain relief due to stabilization of vertebrae after VP occurred within the first 12 hours (mean 4.8 ± 1.2 hours; range 0.5-12 hours), and the mean pain score was reduced to 4.36 ± 0.39 (range 2-6). Subsequent to Sm-153 EDTMP treatment, further pain relief occurred after 3.91 ± 0.39 days (range 2-6 days) and the pain score decreased to 0.55 ± 0.21 (range 0-2). The responses to treatment were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Based on the results on this limited patient population, we conclude that spinal stabilization using VP in patients with widespread bone metastases and impending cord compression is an effective way to decrease disability with pain and to facilitate subsequent systemic palliation of painful skeletal metastases by Sm-153 EDTMP therapy.

Non-pharmacological management of osteoporosis: a consensus of the Belgian Bone Club

This consensus article reviews the various aspects of the non-pharmacological management of osteoporosis, including the effects of nutriments, physical exercise, lifestyle, fall prevention, and hip protectors. Vertebroplasty is also briefly reviewed. Non-pharmacological management of osteoporosis is a broad concept. It must be viewed as an essential part of the prevention of fractures from childhood through adulthood and the old age. The topic also includes surgical procedures for the treatment of peripheral and vertebral fractures and the post-fracture rehabilitation. The present document is the result of a consensus, based on a systematic review and a critical appraisal of the literature. Diets deficient in calcium, proteins or vitamin D impair skeletal integrity. The effect of other nutriments is less clear, although an excessive consumption of sodium, caffeine, or fibres exerts negative effects on calcium balance. The deleterious effects of tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption and a low BMI are well accepted. Physical activity is of primary importance to reach optimal peak bone mass but, if numerous studies have shown the beneficial effects of various types of exercise on bone mass, fracture data as an endpoint are scanty. Fall prevention strategies are especially efficient in the community setting, but less evidence is available about their effectiveness in preventing fall-related injuries and fractures. The efficacy of hip protectors remains controversial. This is also true for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Several randomized controlled studies had reported a short-term advantage of vertebroplasty over medical treatment for pain relief, but these findings have been questioned by recent sham-controlled randomized clinical studies.

Incremental benefit of SPECT + CT bone scans over conventional planar and SPECT bone scans in vertebroplasty

Study design:

Planar bone scans with SPECT and SPECT + CT were performed in those patients who underwent peri-operative evaluation for vertebroplasty. The scans were evaluated separately to identify the “culprit” vertebra (e) by two readers and their results were analyzed.

Objective:

Use of planar and SPECT bone scan for identifying the “culprit” vertebra (e) for vertebroplasty is well established. SPECT + CT is a relatively recent imaging tool providing co-registered fused images. Theoretical advantages of SPECT + CT over conventional SPECT imaging needs to be evaluated and documented.

Summary of Background Data:

Percutaneous stabilization of collapsed vertebra by bone cement has now become a standard procedure. However, it is essential to localize the correct vertebra. Imaging modalities like CT scan provides structural or anatomical information where as bone scan (planar + SPECT images) provides more functional or physiological information. Combination of these two imaging modalities is expected to provide much more than information obtained by any one imaging modality separately. To the best our knowledge, there is no reference available in the literature adopting this approach.

Materials and Methods:

Two expert readers, blinded to patient history, evaluated the scans. They independently analyzed planar + SPECT only images followed by SPECT/CT fused images with the aim to identify the acutely fractured vertebra for vertebroplasty.

Results:

Interpretations changed, on average, 50% of the time as a result of the additional information provided by SPECT + CT. SPECT + CT more precisely localizes tracer abnormalities in the vertebra compared to SPECT imaging alone

Conclusion:

The greatest value of co-registered SPECT + CT bone scan lies in the accurate localization of affected vertebrae in complicated cases of multiple collapsed vertebrae of different ages as well as in the post-vertebroplasty setting

Investigation of polymethylmethacrylate pulmonary embolus in a patient ten years following vertebroplasty

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) is a procedure commonly used for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures, and the number of procedures has been steadily increasing over the past decade. We report a case of an 81 year old female with a history of breast cancer that developed two vertebral body compression fractures and was subsequently treated with PV. The patient developed a subsegmental pulmonary polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) embolus as a complication of the procedure. Ten years following the procedure, she remained asymptomatic with the PMMA embolus being discovered incidentally during workup for a suspected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation. In reviewing the case, we describe the typical presentation of a pulmonary PMMA embolus and consider methods to decrease the incidence of this complication.

Kyphoplasty

The advent of the use of kyphoplasty in 1998 was the result of the expected evolution of materials and methods related to the successful introduction of vertebroplasty as a valid treatment of painful vertebral compression fractures. Kyphoplasty introduced a method of creating bilateral bone voids and in many cases elevation (reduction) of depressed end plates with variable degrees of height restoration. This was achieved by using bilateral balloon bone tamps capable of pressures significantly higher than conventional angioplasty balloons. This allows creation of bilateral bone voids, resulting in the ability to apply a much thicker cement mixture. This is felt to be the reason for fewer cement-related complications compared with vertebroplasty including extravasation and embolization. Although the procedural cost presently is higher for kyphoplasty, this is expected to decrease as patents expire and industry competition increases. Kyphoplasty indications include all those of vertebroplasty plus additional ones either contraindicated or not recommended for treatment with vertebroplasty. Kyphoplasty achieves the same degree of pain relief as vertebroplasty but may offer additional benefits of fewer complications, more indications, better biopsy specimens, and potential for height restoration of compression fractures of the spine. Further studies regarding potential benefits are warranted to assess any added value of kyphoplasty compared with vertebroplasty.