Resumen

ATLAGICH G, Luz María; HERRERA C, Pablo; DIAZ, Leopoldo  y  OLAVARRIA L, Carla. PERCUTANEOUS BALLOON KYPHOPLASTY IN NON-TRAUMATIC LUMBAR AND THORACIC SPINAL COMPRESSION FRACTURES. Rev. chil. radiol. [online]. 2009, vol.15, n.4, pp. 174-180. ISSN 0717-9308.  doi: 10.4067/S0717-93082009000500004.

Purpose: To describe our experience with percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty for the treatment of non-traumatic vertebral compression fractures. Material and Methods: Between March 2007and June 2008, 25 vertebrae interventions were performed in 10 patients. Ten cases corresponded to osteoporotic fractures, while fifteen of them revealed a tumoral etiology. Vertebral compromise was evaluated via CT scan or MRI, as appropriate. We applied a percutaneous technique. Balloons were inserted into the vertebral body, and then inflated to create a cavity to be filled with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), which reduces and stabilizes the fracture, thus reducing pain. Results: The technique was performed successfully in al I cases. Pain intensity assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after the procedure showed a variation ranging from 4 to 7 levels per patient. The mean inicial VAS score was 7, whereas average final VAS was 1.2. The decrease in pain levels averaged 5.8 per intervention. Complications occurred in 7 levels: 3 cases of thoracic extravasations and 4 cases in lumbar spine. All of them were asymptomatic. No severe complications were reposed. Conclusions: Percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty offers a good alternative treatment to conservative pain management in vertebral compression fractures.

Palabras clave : Balloon vertebroplasty; Compression fractures; Kyphoplasty; Polymethylmethacrylate.