Percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures

Abstract

Osteoporosis is characterized by a reduction in bone mineral density caused by the deterioration of bone microarchitecture, predisposing patients to low-impact fragility fractures. Osteoporotic fractures lead to a significant decrease in quality of life, increasing morbidity, mortality, and disability. To determine the efficacy and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty for the treatment of vertebral fractures of osteoporotic origin, as reported in scientific literature. This bibliographic study was based on the data that has been collected from the PubMed and Google Scholar platforms. Inclusion criteria for the scientific articles were: studies published between 2015 and 2025, patients treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty, and a diagnosis of “pathological vertebral fracture (osteoporotic).” Pain relief was observed in 60% to 100% of patients within the first 24 hours after the procedure, and this outcome increased to 78%–100% in the long term. None of the patients reported worsening of the symptoms after having the procedure. Immediate complications were related to cement leakage into intervertebral and paravertebral spaces and pedicular cement spurs, with no clinical consequences. No clinically significant complications were reported immediately after the procedure or during follow-up. In the long term, percutaneous vertebroplasty has been associated with an increased risk of fractures in adjacent vertebrae. Percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fractures is a minimally invasive procedure, that provides immediate and sustained pain relief for patients with refractory pain. An individualized approach is required to achieve optimal efficacy and safety outcomes.