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Title: Pain Relief Following Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: Results of a Series of 283 Consecutive Patients Treated in a Single Institution

Journal Article · · Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology
 [1]; ;  [2]; ;  [3]; ; ;  [2]
  1. University Bicocca, Department of Statistics, Biostatistics Unit (Italy)
  2. Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCC), Radiology Unit (Italy)
  3. Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCC), Interventional Radiology Unit (Italy)

The aim of this study was to assess if percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) could relieve back pain, reduce drug consumption, and improve the mobility of patients with metastases and vertebral compression fractures. From August 2002 to July 2004, 283 patients (216 females; mean age: 73.8 {+-} 9.9 years) underwent PVP on 749 vertebrae. Pain was evaluated with the pain intensity numeric rating scale (PI-NRS) (0 = no pain; 10 = worst pain) before the procedure and at the end point in September 2004 (follow-up:1-24 months; median: 7 months). A reduction of at least two points of the PI-NRS score was considered clinically relevant. Two hundred four patients were available for evaluation at the end point. Overall results showed a reduction of the median pain score from 8 at baseline to 1 at the end point (p < 0.0001); a clinically relevant pain reduction was observed in 176/205 patients (86%); 89/147 patients (61%) gave up a brace support (p < 0.0001); and 117/190 patients (62%) gave up drug therapy. Results were similar in different subgroups stratified according to age, underlying pathology, number of fractured or treated vertebrae, and length of follow-up. This study adds evidence that PVP is effective in treating painful vertebral fractures. A significant reduction in drug assumption and significant mobility improvement can also be achieved.

OSTI ID:
21090985
Journal Information:
Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Vol. 30, Issue 3; Other Information: DOI: 10.1007/s00270-006-0146-0; Copyright (c) 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.; www.springer-ny.com; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0174-1551
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English