Vertebroplasty technique
The patients were transferred to the IR suite, were intubated, and
received general anesthesia. They were positioned prone on the
fluoroscopy table and the skin of the back prepped and draped as per
standard sterile technique. Using biplanar fluoroscopic-guidance, the
interventional radiologist advanced a 13-gauge or 15-gauge bone needle
via a costrotransverse (for thoracic vertebral bodies) or transpedicular
(for lumbar vertebral bodies) approach using a surgical mallet, into the
midline of the anterior third of the targeted vertebral body, following
previously described technique in adults 7. Under
continuous fluoroscopy, the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cement was
injected. Care was taken to ensure no cement extravasated beyond the
margins of the vertebral body, especially into the spinal canal, or into
the venous system. After achieving adequate distribution within the
vertebra and waiting the necessary time for polymerization of the
cement, the needle was removed. Patients recovered in the acute care
unit for 4-6 hours to recuperate from anesthesia and then were
transferred to the general ward for overnight observation with discharge
the following morning.