Efficacity and feasibility of vertebroplasty for severe vertebral fracture: A retrospective study of 12 vertebroplasties

Abstract Vertebroplasty is commonly contraindicated for severe vertebral fractures, or vertebra plana. However, we decided after multidisciplinary staff decision to perform vertebroplasty for few severe vertebral fractures which were still painful after optimal medical treatment. We retrospectively studied the charts of patients who benefited from vertebroplasty for severe vertebral body compression fracture between May 2006 and January 2012 in a rheumatology department. Clinical and biological data were collected and patients were consulted to assess effectiveness of that technique. We performed vertebroplasty of 12 severe vertebral fractures in 10 patients (nine women and one man). Mean age was 74.9 ± 10.7 years. Mean VAS score was 9/10 ± 1.15 before vertebroplasty and 2.4 ± 2 after. Global improvement was 80% and patient satisfaction was 7/10. After vertebroplasty, use of drugs was significantly reduced or even stopped. The complications observed were: three infraclinical cement leakages, one haematoma at the site of the puncture, one atrial fibrillation and one classic pulmonary embolism. Mean follow-up was 28.6 ± 22.3 months. Vertebroplasty is indeed a delicate procedure for severe vertebral fracture but quickly and sustainably effective.