Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the complications of percutaneous vertebroplasty using PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) in the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Authors reviewed 113 patients treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty from 1998 to 2001. After treatment, Simple x-ray and computed tomography were done of methods for analysis of complication, especially bone cement leakage.
RESULTS: In each case, we injected bone cement (PMMA) in one vertebra, average amount is 5.6 cc. The complications were 39 cases (34.5%): 1 case was dead by hemothorax, 1 case was arrhythmia, 12 cases were intercostals neuralgia, 7 cases were back pain, 2 cases were mild dyspnea, 14 cases were abdominal pain and 2 case were injection site pain. In follow-up x-ray and CT, bone cement (PMMA) leakage were 45 cases (39.8%).
CONCLUSION: Bone cement (PMMA) leakage can be cause of complications in vertebroplasty. We try to avoid the complication of bone cement leakage.