Upper thoracic T1 and T2 percutaneous vertebroplasty: a review of 10 years of experience
摘要
T1 and T2 upper thoracic vertebroplasties (UTVs) represent a technical challenge due to various anatomical factors that impact the quality of fluoroscopic control and potentially increase procedural risks. The aim of this study is to report the feasibility and safety of T1–T2 UTV.
Materials and methodAll patients having undergone UTV (T1 or T2) from March 2012 to September 2021 in a single tertiary care teaching hospital were included. Patients without a post-procedure control CT scan were excluded. The following data were retrospectively collected: demographics, procedure indications, vertebroplasty level(s), bone needle position, procedure details, vertebral body volume, intracorporeal cement volume, complications (CIRSE score), and clinical follow-up. The primary outcome was procedural technical success, defined as achieving both a correct bone-needle trajectory avoiding the spinal canal and endplate-to-endplate cement filling, without any adverse events.
ResultsForty patients (19 females, 21 males, average age 65 years [range 18–89]) were included, totaling 49 vertebrae with 31/49 (63%) T1 vertebroplasties. Of the 49 UTVs, 30 (61%) were performed to treat bone metastases from various cancers. The primary outcome, technical success, was achieved in 39/49 (79.5%) of the UTVs. Satisfactory bone needle trajectory was reported in 73/80 (91%) of the approaches, and endplate-to-endplate filling was achieved in 82% of cases. Cement leakage was observed on 84% of the post-operative control CT scans. Based on the CIRSE classification, no adverse events were reported.
ConclusionUTV under fluoroscopic control is a challenging procedure, but it is technically achievable and safe. Procedure optimization is paramount to overcoming anatomical difficulties.
Key Points