Retrograde Study on Thoracic Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty Done by Transpedicular Approach

Abstract

Background: Transpedicular percutaneous vertebroplasty, along with kyphoplasty of the thoracic vertebrae, is technically more difficult than those of the lumbar vertebrae due to the anatomical differences. During the last four years, all the percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty of the thoracic vertebrae carried out at our institution were performed using a transpedicular approach; therefore, we tried to find if there were any problems or complications associated with the process. Methods: The medical records of all the patients who had undergone thoracic percutaneous vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty were retrospectively reviewed. The following were looked up: the procedure name, unipedicular or bipedicular, the level of the thoracic vertebrae treated, and the pre- and postoperative changes in the Visual Analog Scales (VAS), the volume of cement injected and complications. Results: In the last four years, 58 vertebral bodies in 58 patients were treated. Twelve and 46 vertebral bodies were treated by kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty, respectively. A total of 58 mid and lower thoracic levels were treated: T5 (n=1), T6 (n=1), T7 (n=3), T8 (n=4), T9 (n=1), T10 (n=4), T11 (n=14) and T12 (n=30). The mean preoperative and postoperative VAS scores were 8.11.4 and 5.21.7, respectively. The mean volume of cement injected was 4.011.85 ml; 3.180.60 ml at T5-8 and 4.222.27 ml at T9-12. There were no clinical complications, such as pedicular fracture or cement leakage. Conclusions: Although transpedicular vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty at the mid to lower thoracic vertebral bodies is technically difficult compared to that at the lumbar region, the procedures can be performed safely.