Percutaneous coaxial transpedicular biopsy of vertebral body lesions during vertebroplasty

Histological evaluation of bone biopsy results during PVP or PKP of vertebral compression fractures

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) is utilized for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). The present study was conducted to evaluate biopsy results obtained from VCFs during PVP or PKP. Between January 2003 and December 2011, 692 vertebral body biopsies were obtained from 546 patients (442 females and 104 males; mean age, 72.3 years), who underwent PVP or PKP for treatment of VCFs. A history of malignancy was identified in 44 patients. Histological/immunohistochemical evaluations were performed by experienced pathologists and 89.9% of biopsies obtained from 546 patients were suitable for histological/immunohistochemical evaluation. The biopsy results of 398 patients were in good agreement with the diagnosis of osteoporotic VCFs. Among the 44 patients with a history of malignancy, malignancy was identified in 25 patients, while osteoporosis was identified in 16 patients. Biopsies of the other 3 patients were not suitable for pathological examination. There were only 2 patients with previously undiagnosed malignancy. One patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, while another patient was diagnosed with metastatic carcinoma. In the present study, the rate of unsuspected malignancy was 0.4%. No symptomatic complications occurred as a result of biopsy. The results indicate that biopsy is safely performed during PVP or PKP and it is an efficacious procedure that verifies the pathological process and assists in identifying previously unsuspected processes responsible for VCFs. We recommend obtaining the biopsy of every collapsed vertebral body during PVP or PKP procedures.

Percutaneous cementoplasty

Cementoplasty includes percutaneous procedures like vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, osteoplasty, and sacroplasty. Bone packing with cement aims to treat or prevent vertebral and extraspinal pathological fractures and relieve pain in patients with osteoporosis and bone metastases. The authors outline the accepted and newer indications for patient selection and present the fundamentals of image-guided lesion access and cement injection. Practitioners should evaluate each patient carefully and have a thorough knowledge of the anatomy, the technique, the expected outcomes, and the potential complications. Detailed informed consent and multidisciplinary decision making are recommended. Understanding of the particular advantages and limitations of the various modern filler materials is also crucial for a successful and uncomplicated procedure. Future developments include new mechanical devices for effective restoration of vertebral height, as well as the introduction of osteoconductive and osteoinductive cements that will be able to promote more physiological bone healing.

Coaxial biopsy during percutaneous vertebroplasty in patients with presumed osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: retrospective review of biopsy results

PURPOSE

This study retrospectively analysed the results of biopsies obtained during percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in patients with presumed osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, with a view to highlighting the importance of coaxial biopsy in determining the aetiology of vertebral fractures and planning subsequent treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between November 2003 and March 2009, 98 patients (78 women; 20 men) with a clinical and imaging suspicion of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures underwent coaxial biopsy in conjunction with PVP of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Mean age at the time of the procedure was 72.6 years. A pathologist interpreted all the biopsy samples.

RESULTS

In 83 patients, the biopsy results were consistent with the presumed osteoporotic aetiology. In two patients, a malignancy was identified. Biopsy samples from 13 patients were considered insufficient or unsuitable by the pathologist for evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the number of biopsy samples considered insufficient or unsuitable, coaxial biopsy during PVP is useful in verifying the presumed aetiology of vertebral compression fractures, which is often unclear on the basis of clinical and imaging examinations. It is therefore both convenient and advisable to perform a vertebral coaxial biopsy in all patients undergoing a PVP.

The value of routinely performing a bone biopsy during percutaneous vertebroplasty in treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective histologic evaluation of biopsies obtained during percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) procedures as treatment for presumed osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the rate of unsuspected malignancy in bone biopsies of patients undergoing PVP for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Most vertebral compression fractures, which result from minimal, or no trauma have osteoporosis as underlying cause. The diagnosis osteoporosis is based on clinical and radiologic findings. Even in patients with proven osteoporosis it is not always the true cause of the fractures. In literature, outcomes of bone-biopsies obtained during vertebroplasty have been described with inconsistent percentages of unexpected malignancy.

METHODS

To determine the rate of unsuspected malignancy, 78 biopsies were obtained from 78 patients (18 male; 60 female; mean age, 73 years). The histologic diagnoses of vertebral body biopsy specimens were analyzed in a retrospective study.

RESULTS

Seventy-one biopsies (91%) obtained from 71 patients, were suitable for histologic evaluation. Seven biopsies (9.0%) could not be interpreted as a result of suboptimal quality biopsy material. The population included 10 patients (13%) with a history of malignancy, in this group no malignancy was found in the bone biopsies. In 3 patients (3.8% of all biopsies) previously undiagnosed malignancies, 2 multiple myeloma stage IIa and 1 chondrosarcoma grade I, were found.

CONCLUSION

Obtaining bone biopsies during PVPs does not lead to increased morbidity and can verify the pathologic process underlying the vertebral compression fractures. Since this study showed an unsuspected malignancy rate of 3.8%, we recommend routine obtainment of a vertebral body bone biopsy, preferably using a biopsy needle with a diameter larger than 14 Gauge (>2.1 mm/0.083 inch), during every PVP procedure.

Effectiveness of CT-guided percutaneous biopsies of the spine: an analysis of 202 examinations

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The study goal was to retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness of computed tomography (CT)-guided spinal biopsies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two hundred two CT-guided vertebral biopsies performed between May 1999 and June 2004 in 187 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics (age, sex, antibiotic therapy), technical parameters (depth and number of biopsies, needle approach), lesion features (spinal level, osteolysis, fluid collections, soft tissue tumor), and complications were documented. Furthermore, histopathological and microbiological diagnoses were considered.

RESULTS

There were two focal hematomas in our study group (complication rate: 1%). Histopathological diagnosis was established in 74% of examinations with spondylitis (41% of cases) being most common. In spinal tumors (27% of cases), malignant lesions were found in 52 of 54 examinations (96%). Osteolysis was diagnosed in 98% of patients with spondylitis and in 87% of patients with tumors (P < .01). Spinal tumors were most commonly seen in the sacrum (53%, P < .001), whereas spondylitis typically occurred in the lumbar spine (55%, P = .001). Neither patient age nor sex, needle approach, needle depth, or vertebral abnormalities showed a significant impact on diagnostic accuracy. Microbiological tests were performed in 98 patients (49%); 62 of 98 patients (65%) received antibiotic therapy. In 12 of 62 patients (19%) with antibiotic therapy and in 9 of 36 patients (25%) without antibiotic treatment, microbiological tests were positive (P = .153). Staphylococcus aureus was found in 9 of 21 examinations (43%).

CONCLUSIONS

CT-guided vertebral biopsy is a safe and effective procedure to establish final diagnosis in spinal lesions of unclear origin. Patient characteristics, lesions features, and technical considerations did not influence sample quality. In spondylitis, which was commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, microbiological yield was low regardless of antibiotic therapy.

Vertebroplasty in the treatment of spine disease

SUMMARY

We report our experience in the treatment of thoracic and lumbosacral spinal pain due to vertebral bone fractures. This pathology can be related to osteoporosis but also to metastatic disease and less frequently vertebral haemangioma. From April 2001 through December 2004 we treated 238 patients for a total of 455 vertebral bodies. 175 patients had osteoporosis, 70 had metastasis and 13 had vertebral haemangioma. Sacroplasty was performed in six patients to obtain a cement filling of sacral metastasis. The procedures were mostly performed under fluoroscopy and only in cases of metastasis or sacroplasty was CT/fluoroscopy guidance preferred for optimal filling of the area of osteolysis. We evaluated the results at six and 18 months follow-up and analysed the incidence of new vertebral fractures, vascular and disk leakage and the incidence of major and minor complications. Biopsy was performed only in doubtful cases. We obtained different results considering the etiology of the disease. We obtained a 92% success rate at six months follow-up and 89% success at 18 months follow-up in osteoporosis, a 77% and 72% success rate at six and 18 months follow-up in metastastic patients, and no change at six and 18 months follow-up in patients with vertebral haemangioma in which the success rate was of 95%. We noted extravertebral leakage in 41% of vertebral bodies of which 31% were treated at the level of the vascular space and only 10% at the level of the disk space, and symptomatic in only two cases (acute compressive radiculitis, medically treated and resolved within a month). Six patients presented new fractures in the adjacent vertebral body and 30% had a partial recovery in the height of the vertebral body with kyphosis curve reduction. Vertebroplasty is a good technique to obtain spine pain relief and has a low incidence of side effects. Good quality equipment is important to obtain these results.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty and facet joint block

It is surprising that about 24% of patients with benign osteoporotic vertebral fracture die within a year from respiratory infection and urinary tract infection because of coughing and voiding difficulties, depending on the sites of compression fractures. We reviewed 500 patients on whom percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) was performed, at 612 levels in terms of patient selection, operation technique, medication, and clinical outcomes during the follow-up course for 2 yr study period. To confirm the most painful level among the multiple fracture sites, physical examination after facet joint block under the fluoroscope was the most reliable method. The mean total lumbar spine fracture threshold of bone mineral density was 0.81+/-0.05 g/cm2. The mean changes of numeric rating scale scores, Oswestry Disability Index except sex life, and Karnofsky performance status were -72.00, -83.50 and +60.62% in the osteoporosis group and -51.89, -45.02, and 69.03% in the tumor group. Complications related to the procedure were lateral spinal cord damage, transient paresthesia and transient hypotension. PVP with facet joint block is a profitable method for the vertebral compression fracture because of low risk and short duration of procedure with a high chance to result in pain relief and early mobilization.

Interventional spine procedures

Minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of some spinal diseases are percutaneous treatments, proposed before classic surgery. By using imaging guidance, one can significantly increase accuracy and decrease complication rates. This review report physiopathology and discusses indications, methods, complications and results of performing these techniques on the spine, including different level (cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacroiliac) and different kind of treatments (nerve block, disc treatment and bone treatment). Finally the present article also reviews current literature on the controversial issues involved.

Minimally invasive treatments for metastatic tumors of the spine

Minimally invasive approaches are finding their way into all aspects of metastatic spinal disease from diagnosis to treatment of patients who are diagnosed early in their course as well as patients with multifocal metastases. For patients who are found to have asymptomatic spinal metastases, diagnosis is important to guide management and treatment so as to prevent future morbidity. These patients also now have the option of less invasive techniques for resection,reconstruction, and stabilization, including endoscopy and less invasive surgical approaches. Patients who are treated later in their course, with multifocal metastatic disease also have more options for palliation of pain and for stability,including vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty and radio-frequency tumor ablation as well as some of the percutaneous methods of stabilization described previously. As techniques evolve and im-prove, patients will continue to have more access to less invasive options for treatment of spinal metastases.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty: history, technique and current perspectives

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a safe and efficacious technique for the treatment of persistent pain from a fractured vertebral body. Injection of cement into the vertebral body is made after insertion of a large-bore needle, frequently by a trans-pedicular approach. Vertebroplasty is most commonly used to treat painful osteoporotic fracture resistant to conservative therapy, but may be helpful in other conditions such as malignant collapse. NICE guidelines are now available for this procedure, which is relatively new in the UK, but has been performed for more than 15 years in continental Europe.

Metastatic Spine Tumors

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, and vertebral body metastases often occur in systemic malignancy. Metastatic spinal tumors may present with pain or neurologic deficit, or may be detected during screening examinations in patients with known malignancy. Management of spinal metastases remains controversial. The role of surgery, especially decompressive laminectomy without stabilization, has been questioned. Recent series attest to the beneficial role of surgery, emphasizing anterior and combined decompression and stabilization procedures. We review the relevant literature on metastatic spinal tumors, assessing imaging strategies, adjuvant treatment, patient selection, and results and complications. Operative decompression and stabilization is an important tool in the management of spinal metastatic disease. Patient selection and appropriate use of anterior and/or posterior decompression and stabilization are necessary to optimize surgical results.

Minimally invasive treatments of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

STUDY DESIGN

A literature review of experiences with vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for treating symptomatic, osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the advantages and disadvantages of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Osteoporotic VCFs are a leading cause of disability and morbidity in the elderly. The consequences of osteoporotic VCFs (pain and often progressive vertebral collapse with resultant spinal kyphosis) adversely affect quality of life, physical function, mental health, and survival. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures for treating painful fractures. Vertebroplasty entails the percutaneous injection of bone cement into the fractured vertebra in attempts to stabilize the fracture and reduce pain. Kyphoplasty addresses pain and kyphotic deformity by the percutaneous expansion of an inflatable bone tamp to effect fracture reduction before cement deposition in a fractured vertebra.

METHODS

A literature review of surgical techniques, indications, clinical results, and complications for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.

RESULTS

Studies of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty have reported excellent pain relief and improved function in most patients with osteoporotic VCFs. Vertebroplasty has the advantage of being relatively quick and inexpensive. Kyphoplasty, while associated with increased cost and surgical time, offers the potential to improve spinal alignment. In addition, by creating an intravertebral cavity, kyphoplasty reduces the risk of extravertebral bone filler extravasation.

CONCLUSIONS

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are currently used to treat osteoporotic VCFs with successful short-term results. Prospective, randomized studies comparing these procedures to one another and comparing their long-term outcomes to conventional medical management are required to define precise roles of these exciting treatments in the spine physician's armamentarium.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for painful vertebral body fractures in cancer patients

OBJECT

The current North American experience with minimally invasive vertebro- and kyphoplasty is largely limited to the treatment of benign osteoporotic compression fractures. The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of these procedures for painful vertebral body (VB) fractures in cancer patients.

METHODS

The authors reviewed a consecutive group of cancer patients (21 with myeloma and 35 with other primary malignancies) undergoing vertebro- and kyphoplasty at their institution. Ninety-seven (65 vertebro- and 32 kyphoplasty) procedures were performed in 56 patients during 58 treatment sessions. The mean patient age was 62 years (+/- 13 years [standard deviation]) and the median duration of symptoms was 3.2 months. All patients suffered intractable spinal pain secondary to VB fractures. Patients noted marked or complete pain relief after 49 procedures (84%), and no change after five procedures (9%); early postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores were unavailable in four patients (7%). No patient was worse after treatment. Reductions in VAS pain scores remained significant up to 1 year (p = 0.02, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Analgesic consumption was reduced at 1 month (p = 0.03, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Median follow-up length was 4.5 months (range 1 day-19.7 months). Asymptomatic cement leakage occurred during vertebroplasty at six (9.2%) of 65 levels; no cement extravasation was seen during kyphoplasty. There were no deaths or complications related to the procedures. The mean percentage of restored VB height by kyphoplasty was 42 +/- 21%.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous vertebro- and kyphoplasty provided significant pain relief in a high percentage of patients, and this appeared durable over time. The absence of cement leakage-related complications may reflect the use of 1) high-viscosity cement; 2) kyphoplasty in selected cases; and 3) relatively small volume injection. Precise indications for these techniques are evolving; however, they are safe and feasible in well-selected patients with refractory spinal pain due to myeloma bone disease or metastases.