Cement augmentation in spinal tumors: a systematic review comparing vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty

Surgical Management of the Metastatic Spine Disease: A Review of the Literature and Proposed Algorithm

STUDY DESIGN

Narrative Review. The spine remains the most common site for bony metastasis. It is estimated that up to 70% of cancer patients harbor secondary spinal disease. And up to 10% will develop a clinically significant lesion. The last two decades have seen a substantial leap forward in the advancements of the management of spinal metastases. What once was a death sentence is now a manageable, even potentially treatable condition. With marked advancements in the surgical treatment and post-operative radiotherapy, a standardized approach to stratify and manage these patients is both prudent and now feasible.

OBJECTIVES

This article looks to examine the best available evidence in the stratification and surgical management of patients with spinal metastases. So the aim of this review is to offer a standardized approach for surgical management and surgical planning of patients with spinal metastases.

Clinical Therapy of Metastatic Spinal Tumors

Metastatic spinal tumors (MST) have high rates of morbidity and mortality. MST can destroy the vertebral body or compress the nerve roots, resulting in an increased risk of pathological fractures and intractable pain. Here, we elaborately reviewed the currently available therapeutic options for MST according to the following four aspects: surgical management, minimally invasive therapy (MIT), radiation therapy, and systemic therapy. In particular, these aspects were classified and introduced to show their developmental process, clinical effects, advantages, and current limitations. Furthermore, with the improvement of treatment concepts and techniques, we discovered the prevalent trend toward the use of radiation therapy and MIT in clinic therapies. Finally, the future directions of these treatment options were discussed. We hoped that along with future advances and study will lead to the improvement of living standard and present status of treatment in patients with MST.

Vertebral body cemented stents combined with posterior stabilization in the surgical treatment of metastatic spinal cord compression of the thoracolumbar spine

Background

Extensile interventions to provide anterior spinal column support in metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) surgery incur added morbidity in this surgically frail group of patients. We present our preliminary results of posterior spinal decompression and stabilization coupled with vertebral body cemented stents for anterior column support in MSCC.

Methods

Fourteen patients underwent posterior spinal decompression and pedicle screw construct along with vertebral body stenting (VBS) technique for reconstruction and augmentation of the vertebral body. The primary in all except one was solid organ malignancy and 10 patients (71%) were treatment naïve. The mean revised Tokuhashi score was 10.7 ± 2.7 and the mean spinal instability neoplastic score was 9.6 ± 1.9. All vertebral body lesions were purely lytic and were associated with a cortical defect in the posterior wall.

Results

A mean 5.3 ± 2.7 ml low-viscosity polymethyl methacrylate bone cement was injected within the stent at each compression level. No cement extrusion posteriorly was noted in any case from intraoperative fluoroscopy or postoperative radiographs. Five patients died at a mean 6.8 months (range 1-15 months), while the remaining patients have a mean survival of 18 months. Neither further revision surgical intervention nor any neurological deterioration was noted in any patient, who all continued to be ambulatory. The mean postoperative Core Outcome Measures Index score for 11 patients was 4.03 (standard deviation 3.11, 95% confidence interval (1.93-6.12).

Conclusion

In lytic vertebral body lesions with posterior wall erosions, cemented VBS technique adds to the surgical armamentarium in MSCC surgery showing promising early results without added complications.

Rare Episode of Cement Leakage During Vesselplasty in a Case of Vertebral Compression Fracture

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis has become an important issue owing to the increasing elderly population. It is the most common cause of vertebral compression fracture. Conservative treatment is often ineffective, whereas surgical treatment has a vital role in compression fracture. Vesselplasty is a new surgical alternative to traditional vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. It uses a polyethylene terephthalate balloon that functions as both a vertebral body expander and a bone cement container. We present a rare but catastrophic case of cement leakage during vesselplasty resulting in devastating neurologic compromise. This case highlights the need for awareness of vesselplasty safety and the importance of using a low-temperature bone cement.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 77-year-old woman presented with debilitating back pain owing to acute T6 compression fracture as detected by magnetic resonance imaging. Under biplanar fluoroscopy, vesselplasty using a polyethylene terephthalate balloon container was performed at the T6 vertebrae. During cement injection, balloon rupture and cement leakage occurred compromising the spinal canal. Emergent laminectomy and cement removal were performed. Paraplegia developed postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Though vesselplasty is claimed to be safe, cement leakage related to balloon rupture occurred in our case. Furthermore, thermal effects were difficult to observe during polymethyl methacrylate polymerization. Heat not only might cause irreversible complications but also might make the balloon rupture more easily.

Percutaneous Interventional Management of Spinal Metastasis

Spinal metastasis is usually associated with debilitating pain and results in deteriorating life quality. The role of percutaneous management of spinal metastasis has evolved from a diagnostic role to a significant part of therapeutic options in conjunction with conventional management techniques, including radiotherapy and open surgical options. Percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) showed substantial pain reduction, vertebral stabilization, and improvement of quality of life. Minimally invasive local ablative procedures (MILAPs) demonstrated significant pain reduction, local tumor burden control, and improvement of quality of life. Though combined PVA and MILAP's synergistic role in pain reduction may need additional investigation, considering different actions on spine metastasis patients, combining both techniques might beneficial to selected patients. The role of percutaneous management will likely expand since its role in improving patient's quality of life with very minimal procedure-related risk and in conjunction with future technological advancement.

Balloon Kyphoplasty in the Treatment of Neoplastic Spine Lesions: A Systematic Review

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy of kyphoplasty in controlling pain and improving quality of life in oncologic patients with metastatic spinal disease and pathologic compression fractures of the spine.

METHODS

A literature search through medical database was conducted (using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and LILACS) for randomized controlled trials comparing balloon kyphoplasty versus the traditional treatment for compression fractures of the spine due to metastatic disease. Two investigators independently assessed all titles and abstracts to select potential articles to be included. Inclusion criteria consisted of randomized controlled trials involving patients with pathologic compression fractures due to spinal metastasis or multiple myeloma treated with balloon kyphoplasty procedure as one of the study interventions, while the control group was any other treatment modality. The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed.

RESULTS

Two studies, with a combined total of 181 patients, met inclusion criteria. Because of data heterogeneity, the meta-analysis was not possible, and individual analysis of studies was performed. There is moderate evidence that patients treated with balloon kyphoplasty displayed better scores for pain (Numeric Rating Scale), disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire), quality of life (Short Form-36 Health Survey), and functional status (Karnofsky Performance Status) compared with those undergoing the conventional treatment. Patients treated with kyphoplasty also have better recovery of vertebral height.

CONCLUSIONS

This study concluded that balloon kyphoplasty could be considered as an early treatment option for patients with symptomatic neoplastic spinal disease, although further randomized clinical trials should be performed for improvement of the quality of evidence.

Image-Guided Bone Consolidation in Oncology

Occurrence of bone metastases is a common event in oncology. Bone metastases are associated with pain, functional impairment, and fractures, particularly when weight-bearing bones are involved. Management of bone metastases has been improved by the development of various interventional radiology consolidation techniques. Cementoplasty is based on injection of acrylic cement into a weakened bone to reinforce it and to control pain. This minimally invasive technique has proven its efficacy for flat bone submitted to compression forces. However, resistance to torsion forces is limited and, thus, treatment of long bones should be considered with caution. In recent years, variant techniques of percutaneous bone consolidation have emerged, including expansion devices for vertebral augmentation and percutaneous screw fixation for pelvic bone and proximal femur tumors. Research projects are ongoing to develop drug-loaded cements to use them as therapeutic vectors. However, release of drugs is still poorly controlled and conventional polymethylmethacrylate cement remains the gold standard in oncology. Image-guided consolidation techniques enhance the array of treatments in bone oncology. Multidisciplinary approach is mandatory to select the best indications.

Clinical management of spinal metastases-The Dutch national guideline

This article is a summary of the revised Dutch multidisciplinary evidence-based guideline 'Spinal metastases' (English translation available at: https://www.oncoline.nl/spinal-metastases) that was published at the end of 2015. This summary provides an easy-to-use overview for physicians to use in their daily practice.

[Image-guided bone consolidation in oncology: Cementoplasty and percutaneous screw fixation]

Bone metastases are a common finding in oncology. They often induce pain but also fractures which impair quality of life, especially when involving weight-bearing bones. Percutaneous image-guided consolidation techniques play a major role for the management of bone metastases. Cementoplasty aims to stabilize bone and control pain by injecting acrylic cement into a weakened bone. This minimally invasive technique has proven its efficacy for bones submitted to compression forces: vertebra, acetabular roof, and condyles. However, long bone diaphysis should be treated with caution due to lower resistance of the cement subject to torsional forces. The recent improvements of navigation systems allow percutaneous image-guided screw fixation without requiring open surgery. This fast-track procedure avoids postponing introduction of systemic therapies. If needed, cementoplasty can be combined with screw insertion to ensure better anchoring in major osteolysis. Interventional radiology bone consolidation techniques increase the therapeutic field in oncology. A multidisciplinary approach remains mandatory to select the best indications.

When Less Is More: The indications for MIS Techniques and Separation Surgery in Metastatic Spine Disease

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review the techniques, indications, and outcomes of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and separation surgery with subsequent radiosurgery in the treatment of patients with metastatic spine disease.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The utilization of MIS techniques in patients with spine metastases is a growing area within spinal oncology. Separation surgery represents a novel paradigm where radiosurgery provides long-term control after tumor is surgically separated from the neural elements.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases were systematically queried for literature reporting MIS techniques or separation surgery in patients with metastatic spine disease. PRISMA guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

Of the initial 983 articles found, 29 met inclusion criteria. Twenty-five articles discussed MIS techniques and were grouped according to the primary objective: percutaneous stabilization (8), tubular retractors (4), mini-open approach (8), and thoracoscopy/endoscopy (5). The remaining 4 studies reported separation surgery. Indications were similar across all studies and included patients with instability, refractory pain, or neurologic compromise. Intraoperative variables, outcomes, and complications were similar in MIS studies compared to traditional approaches, and some MIS studies showed a statistically significant improvement in outcomes. Studies of mini-open techniques had the strongest evidence for superiority.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-quality evidence currently exists for MIS techniques and separation surgery in the treatment of metastatic spine disease. Given the early promising results, the next iteration of research should include higher-quality studies with sufficient power, and will be able to provide higher-level evidence on the outcomes of MIS approaches and separation surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A.

Vertebral Augmentation Involving Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty for Cancer-Related Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Cancers that metastasize to the spine and primary cancers such as multiple myeloma can result in vertebral compression fractures or instability. Conservative strategies, including bed rest, bracing, and analgesic use, can be ineffective, resulting in continued pain and progressive functional disability limiting mobility and self-care. Surgery is not usually an option for cancer patients in advanced disease states because of their poor medical health or functional status and limited life expectancy. The objectives of this review were to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous image-guided vertebral augmentation techniques, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, for palliation of cancer-related vertebral compression fractures.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search for studies on vertebral augmentation of cancer-related vertebral compression fractures published from January 1, 2000, to October 2014; abstracts were screened by a single reviewer. For those studies meeting the eligibility criteria, full-text articles were obtained. Owing to the heterogeneity of the clinical reports, we performed a narrative synthesis based on an analytical framework constructed for the type of cancer-related vertebral fractures and the diversity of the vertebral augmentation interventions.

RESULTS

The evidence review identified 3,391 citations, of which 111 clinical reports (4,235 patients) evaluated the effectiveness of vertebroplasty (78 reports, 2,545 patients) or kyphoplasty (33 reports, 1,690 patients) for patients with mixed primary spinal metastatic cancers, multiple myeloma, or hemangiomas. Overall the mean pain intensity scores often reported within 48 hours of vertebral augmentation (kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty), were significantly reduced. Analgesic use, although variably reported, usually involved parallel decreases, particularly in opioids, and mean pain-related disability scores were also significantly improved. In a randomized controlled trial comparing kyphoplasty with usual care, improvements in pain scores, pain-related disability, and health-related quality of life were significantly better in the kyphoplasty group than in the usual care group. Bone cement leakage, mostly asymptomatic, was commonly reported after vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Major adverse events, however, were uncommon.

CONCLUSIONS

Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty significantly and rapidly reduced pain intensity in cancer patients with vertebral compression fractures. The procedures also significantly decreased the need for opioid pain medication, and functional disabilities related to back and neck pain. Pain palliative improvements and low complication rates were consistent across the various cancer populations and vertebral fractures that were investigated.

Interventional options for the management of refractory cancer pain--what is the evidence?

PURPOSE

Pain is the most common symptom in cancer patients. Standard pain treatment according to the WHO three-step analgesic ladder provides effective pain management in approximately 70-90% of cancer patients. Refractory pain is defined as not responding to "standard" treatments. Interventional analgesic techniques can be used in an attempt to control refractory pain in patients in whom conventional analgesic strategies fail to provide effective pain relief or are intolerable due to severe adverse effects. This systematic review aims to provide the latest evidence on interventional refractory pain management in cancer patients.

METHODS

Systematic literature search in Cochrane, EMBASE and PubMed including reviews and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised controlled trials in the absence of reviews.

RESULTS

Neuraxial analgesia may play a role in refractory cancer pain management. Paravertebral blocks decrease the incidence of persistent post-surgical pain after breast cancer. Coeliac plexus blocks improve pain scores in refractory pancreatic cancer pain for up to 4 weeks after the intervention with fewer burdensome side effects as compared to opioids. Cordotomy has mainly been studied in mesothelioma, and the case series suggest possible benefit for pain at the expense of a relatively high risk of side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, very few RCTs have been conducted on interventional pain techniques. In reality, it is very difficult to undertake large controlled trials for a number of reasons. Therefore, today's best evidence for practice may be from large case series of comparable patients with careful response and toxicity evaluation and follow-up.

The Tokuhashi score: effectiveness and pitfalls

PURPOSE

Accurate survival estimation is prerequisite to determine the most appropriate treatment for patients with metastatic spine disease. Several authors have proposed classification systems analyzing clinical and radiological parameters, such as, performance status, metastasis localization, and primary tumor histotype, but the modified Tokuhashi score (mTS) is the most widely used. Although it is regarded as one of the most complete and accurate systems, it does not take the effectiveness of new therapeutic strategies into consideration, contributing to a progressive loss of accuracy. The purpose of this review is to verify the ability of the mTS to accurately estimate metastatic spine patient survival, nearly 10 years after it was introduced.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted to evaluate mTS accuracy to predict metastatic spine patient survival.

RESULTS

Ten studies were selected, representing 1686 patients. The total predictive accuracy of the mTS was 63.00%; for patients expected to survive less than 6 months (group I), it was 64.10%; 6-12 months (group II), 55.32%; and more than 12 months (group III), 77.21%. A progressive decrease in accuracy over time was statistically significant in groups I and II.

CONCLUSIONS

The mTS is suggestive of actual survival for patients with a good prognosis. It is less accurate for patients with an estimated survival of less than 12 months. The decreasing trend in mTS accuracy over time will likely further reduce mTS utility. An important opportunity exists to develop new instruments to assist spine surgeons and oncologists to choose appropriate surgical or non-surgical treatment modalities for patients with metastatic spine disease.

CONTROVERSIES ON VERTEBROPLASTY AND KYPHOPLASTY FOR VERTEBRAL COMPRESSION FRACTURES

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are widely used for osteoporotic and cancer-related vertebral compression fractures refractory to medical treatment. Many aspects of these procedures have been extensively discussed in the literature during the last few years. In this article, we perform a critical appraisal of current evidence on effectiveness and ongoing controversies regarding surgical technique, indications and contraindications, clinical outcomes and potential complications of these procedures.

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty have been used to treat osteoporotic compression fractures for many years. In 2009, two randomized controlled trials demonstrated limited effectiveness of vertebroplasty over sham treatment; thus, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons published evidence-based guidelines recommending "against vertebroplasty for patients who present with an osteoporotic spinal compression fracture." However, several other trials have since been published that contradict these conclusions. A recent meta-analysis cited strong evidence in favor of cement augmentation in the treatment of symptomatic vertebral compression fractures.