Percutaneous vertebroplasty performed with an 18-gauge needle for treatment of metastatic severe compression fracture of the cervical vertebral body.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is considered technically difficult in patients with severe vertebral body compression, especially in the cervical spine. In this study, PVP was successfully performed with the use of an 18-gauge angiographic needle in four patients with severe cervical compression fractures from metastatic disease. There were no complications, and relief of pain was immediate in all patients. This technique may be an alternative treatment for intractable pain secondary to severe cervical compression fractures.