Percutaneous vertebroplasty: A therapeutic option for pain associated with vertebral compression fracture

Vertebral compression fractures, a common cause of pain, disability, diminished quality of life, and loss of self esteem, occur most often in elderly women with osteoporosis. Treatment has traditionally been medical (analgesics, bed rest, external bracing) with surgery reserved for those with spinal instability or nerve compression. Percutaneous vertebroplasty, an image-guided method of percutaneous bone augmentation, has provided an alternative therapy that offers rapid pain relief and return to routine activity. The current review describes the historical development of percutaneous vertebroplasty, patient selection criteria, and various technical aspects of the procedure.