Dimitrios Filippiadis MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Alexios Kelekis, Abstract Co-Author: Speaker, ArthroCare Corporation Instructor, ArthroCare Corporation

Leto Mailli MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Nikolaos Ptohis, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Elias Brountzos MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Nikos Kelekis MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Purpose of our study is to prospectively evaluate efficacy and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty as primary treatment in adult degenerative scoliosis.

During the last 3 years, a total of 15 adult patients with degenerative scoliotic spine underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty and were prospectively followed for 24 months with respect to pain reduction and mobility improvement. Apart from scoliotic spine, indications included pain, mobility impairment and bone oedema (diagnosed on MR scan with STIR sequence). Under anaesthesia and fluoroscopy, direct access to the most deformed vertebral bodies was obtained by using 11G needles and PMMA for vertebroplasty was injected under continuous fluoroscopic control. The inner arch of scoliosis was supported. Pain reduction and mobility improvement were recorded on 1, 12, 24 months with clinical evaluation and a Visual Analogue Scale (0-10 units) questionnaire. Clinical evaluation included immediate and delayed follow up studies of patient’s general condition and neurological status. The VAS questionnaire helped assessing the pain relief, life quality and mobility improvement.

Comparing patients’ scores prior (mean value 8.07±1.3 AVS units) and after (mean value 1.78±1.5 AVS units) treatment, patients of our study presented a mean decrease of 6.29±1.6 AVS units (p≤0.01) on terms of life quality improvement and pain relief. Overall mobility and life quality were improved in 15/15 (100%) patients, according to the results of the VAS scale questionnaire. No complication was observed.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty in the inner arch seems to be a safe and effective technique for supporting adult degenerative scoliotic spine. Preliminary results report significant pain reduction and mobility improvement but further studies are required.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty in the inner arch can be proposed as initial treatment in scoliosis of the elderly and an attractive alternative prior to surgery.

Filippiadis, D, Kelekis, A, Mailli, L, Ptohis, N, Brountzos, E, Kelekis, N, Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Adult Degenerative Scoliosis for Spine Support: Prospective Study for Pain Evaluation and Mobility Improvement.  Radiological Society of North America 2009 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 29 - December 4, 2009 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2009/8012709.html