Progressive collapse of PMMA-augmented vertebra: a report of three cases

Zentralbl Neurochir. 2008 Feb;69(1):43-6. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-992137.

Abstract

Vertebroplasty using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for augmentation is accepted as a safe and effective treatment for vertebral compression fracture. However, various complications related to PMMA vertebroplasty have recently been reported. We experienced three cases with progressive collapse of PMMA-augmented vertebra. Collapse progressed after augmentation in cases where PMMA conglomerated without contiguous bone interdigitation. A high viscosity of the PMMA preparation and vertebral body cavitory lesion may play a role in progressive vertebral collapse. To avoid this complication, bone cement should be injected sufficiently and permeate to contiguous bone to create strong support and anchorage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bone Cements*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / etiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain, Intractable / etiology
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate*
  • Postoperative Complications / pathology*
  • Spinal Cord Compression / pathology
  • Spinal Cord Compression / surgery*
  • Spinal Fractures / pathology
  • Spinal Fractures / surgery*
  • Spine / pathology
  • Spine / surgery*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Failure
  • Vertebroplasty*

Substances

  • Bone Cements
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate