Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty: new equipment for malignant vertebral fractures treatment.

The Purpose of our study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty, in the treatment of pain deriving from neoplastic vertebral compression fractures (VCF). We treated with these new techniques oncologic patients with unremitting pain over spine, refractory to the conventional medical therapy (analgesics, bed-rest, bracing and bisphosphonates), elicited by pressure over spinous process and in absence of neurological signs. Both methods demonstrated a swift pain relief associated with an evident augmentation in vertebral body resistance. Nevertheless only Kyphoplasty revealed itself able to restorate the original somatic morphology and to diminish the spinal kyphosis. Polymethylmethacrylate's leakages (PMMA) not observed in the Kyphoplasty, instead have been found in the Vertebroplasty localized in the intersomatic or perispinal areas. Neither confirmation of epidural or foraminal extravasations, nor complications which pulmonary embolism for the involvement of venous plexus or connected to phenomenon of infection having to do with the procedures. Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty are effective alternatives, simple and safe in the treatment of vertebral collapses consequent to aggressive haemangiomas, myelomas and metastases. This entails a complete relief of symptoms and restoration of mobility in 90% of patients within 24 hours from the procedure.