81 yo/female patient presents with non-specific LBP. No prior carcinoma or corticosteroid regimen.
What do you see?
The medullary portion of L4 shows an elongated homogenous density . The VB height has been restored post- intervention.
Spondylosis is present at the L3 disc.
XRAY FINDINGS
The medullary portion of L4 shows an elongated homogenous density . The VB height has been restored post- intervention.
Spondylosis is present at the L3 disc.
Vertebral augmentation (VA) consists of 2 types:
a. kyphoplasty – a balloon cavity is created then injected with bone cement. (Polymethylmethacrylate)
b. vertebroplasy – bone cement is into the VCF.
DISCUSSION:
Recent data shows low bone mass will affect over 50 million people in the US. Every other person > 50 years of age will have low bone mass or osteoporosis.
There is still debate (despite >3000 articles published) on the effectiveness of vertebral augmentation (VA) for osteoporotic compression fractures.
Chandra et al discuss 2 groups of patients that may benefit fromVA.
a. patients with severe pain treated < 6 weeks post trauma.
b. national datasets show patients hospitalized for VCF show earlier hospital release, lower re-admission rates & reduced mortality. (1)
REFERENCES:
Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty for Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures: What Are Tthe Latest Data? Chandra May 2018 www. ajnr.org