Percutaneous puncture method to stabilize and straighten vertebral collapse of the thoracic and lumbar spinal column as a result of osteoporosis

By osteoporosis (loss of bone substance), a very painful vertebral collapse (compression fracture) can occur in the region of the thoracic (TSC) and lumbar (LSC) spinal column as a result of the reduced load-bearing capacity of the skeletal frame. This results in more or less distinct deformation of the vertebrae, and even in vertebral collapse. Both cases are easily recognizable by x-ray. Even a complete vertebral collapse and distinct deformation of the entire spinal column is possible. With this new minimally invasive puncture method, strenuous open surgery can be avoided in most cases. The entry through the skin (percutaneous entry) with the help of a puncture needle is gentle on the musculature and stromata around the spinal column, so that painful scar-tissue build-up and instabilities can be avoided.

Operating technique

Under local anesthetic, or, if desired, under full narcosis, a thin puncture needle is inserted to the vertebra under x-ray guidance. At a certain point of the vertebra (the so-called pedicel), the bone can be punctured by the needle without risk. Afterwards, the doctor injects fluid bone cement into the vertebra via the puncture needle; after the cement hardens, the vertebra is stabilized (vertebroplasty). If the vertebra is severely deformed (i.e. in the case of a wedge-like formation), the collapsed vertebra is straightened before the cement is injected. A balloon is hereby inserted into the vertebra via the puncture needle and inflated with fluid under high pressure. Following a successful straightening, the balloon is removed and the resulting cavity is filled with bone cement (balloon-kyphoplasty)

Indication

• effective method of therapy by painful vertebral collapse as a result of osteoperosis or vertebral deformation

• also implementable by tumor-related vertebral collapse ( (so-called osteolytic vertebral metastasis)

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