To evaluate the results of percutaneous vertebroplasty using PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) in the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures.

A retrospective review was conducted of 38 patients with 64 vertebrae treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty from June 1999 to May 2000. The patients had symptomatic, osteoporotic fractures and had failed medical therapy. Immediate and long-term pain responses and complications of the percutaneous vertebroplasty with PMMA were evaluated.

Thirty-three (86.8%) of the 38 patients reported pain improvement within the first 48 hours. Seventeen (44.8%) were evaluated as excellent; eleven (28.9%), as good; six (15.8%), as fair; and four (10.5%), as poor. Fourteen (36.8%) patients had cement extrusion into a disc, paravertebral vessels or epidural space without significant systemic symptoms.

Percutaneuos vertebroplasty using PMMA provided significant pain relief in a high percentage of patients with osteoporotic compression fractures. It is considered to be an alternative method of treating patients with osteoporotic compression fractures of vertebral bodies who do not respond to conservative treatment.