Treatment of severe vertebral compression fracture by inserting needle through the lower 1/3 of vertebral pedicle

Objective To discuss the feasibility and technical advantages of the vertebroplasty inserting needle polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP) through the lower 1/3 of vertebral pedicle in the treatment of severe vertebral compression fracture,and summarize the surgical experience.Methods From January 2009 to June 2011,18 patients with severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with a total of 21 injured vertebrae were treated with PVP inserting needle through the lower 1/3 of vertebral pedicle.Before the surgery,the needle channel was designed according to the X ray,CT and MRI.During the surgery,the puncture was completed under C-arm fluoroscopy.Results The 18 surgeries were all completed,and all the puncture needle tips reached the anterior 1/3 of the vertebrae.Pain relieved significantly after the surgery and he VAS score decreased from(8.3±0.9) points before the surgery to(2.7±0.5) points after the surgery(P 0.01);PVP occurred in three patients with a total of 3 vertebrae.Conclusion The vertebroplasty inserting needle through the lower 1/3 of vertebral pedicle in the treatment of severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture is feasible,safe and advantageous.