2009 Does Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Work for Osteoporosis-Related Vertebral Compression Fractures Medscape

Description: Vertebral compression fractures (VCF) from osteoporosis are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States.[1] According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, more than a half million vertebral fractures were attributed to osteoporosis in 2005.[2] Percutaneous vertebroplasty, a procedure that involves the injection of polymethylmethacrylate cement into a symptomatic compressed vertebral body, has been used with increased frequency to treat related back pain. However, there has been limited evidence-based data in the current literature demonstrating its efficacy.
Does Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Work for Osteoporosis-Related Vertebral Compression Fractures? Joseph K. Lee, MD Medscape Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine © 2009