Description of vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is a surgical procedure for a spinal tumor , which consists of introducing bone polymer cement (methyl methacrylate) into the pathological focus located in the vertebral body through a special needle.
During polymerization, the cement hardens with the release of heat (the local temperature rises to 60-70 degrees Celsius). This factor has a detrimental effect on tumor cells in the focus, reducing the risk of bleeding due to thermal coagulation of vessels.
After solidification
- cement provides the supporting function of the vertebra,
- pain syndrome decreases,
- The functional state of patients improves significantly.
In the case of benign spinal tumors – hemangiomas, vertebroplasty is the method of choice, as it leads to complete cure.
Malignant neoplasms require an individual approach to each case; the decision on the need for vertebroplasty and its method is made taking into account the expected benefits of the operation and the risks of its implementation.