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Vertebral compression fractures caused by multiple myeloma treated by vertebroplasty

08-04-2006

Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) caused by multiple myeloma (MM) or plasmacytomas can be effectively treated by vertebroplasty.

"VCFs are common in MM. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is used to stabilize vertebral collapse and treat the pain. Few studies have been carried out on PVP in MM and follow-up has tended to be short. We have prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of PVP in the VCFs resulting from MM or plasmacytomas," researchers in Spain report.

L. Ramos and colleagues, University Hospital Salamanca, explained, "Nineteen PVP were performed in 12 consecutive patients. We monitored their pain and functional status using visual analog (VAS) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale, respectively. For a subjective assessment, every patient was asked about his/her degree of satisfaction. The mean age of the participants was 66 yr. Significant improvement occurred 1 d after PVP according to the VAS score (7.5 pre-PVP to 3.7, p<.0001) and ECOG assessment (3.1 to 2.5, p=.002). This significant improvement was maintained after 3.2 yr of follow-up. Sixty-three percent of patients were highly satisfied with the result of the PVP and 37% were satisfied."

They continued, "The perioperative mortality was 0%. Leakage of the cement outside of the vertebral body was noted in 16 of 19 injected vertebrae (84%) but none of the patients developed any clinical or neurological symptoms. At the last follow-up, no further collapse in the treated or neighboring vertebrae was noted."

The researchers concluded, "VCFs caused by MM or plasmacytomas can be effectively treated by vertebroplasty. PVP is associated with early clinical improvement of pain and function and can be maintained after a long follow-up without major procedure-related complications."

Ramos and colleagues published their study in the European Journal of Haematology (Medium-term results of percutaneous vertebroplasty in multiple myeloma. Eur J Haematol, 2006;77(1):7-13).

For additional information, contact L. Ramos, University Hospital Salamanca, Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, Paseo San Vicente 58-182, Salamanca 37007, Spain.

Publisher contact information for the European Journal of Haematology is: Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DQ, Oxon, England.

Keywords: Salamanca, Spain, Functional Status, Multiple Myeloma, Neurologic, Oncology, Pain Status, Plasmacytoma, Vertebral Compression Fracture, Vertebroplasty.

This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.