Vessel-Plasty Using Bone-Filling Mesh Container for Treatment of Malignant Severe Compression Fractures in Cervical Vertebrae.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of vessel-plasty using bone-filling mesh container (BFMC) for malignant severe compression fractures of cervical vertebra. Methods: This study prospectively recruited fifteen consecutive patients (eight men, seven women; mean age, 57.4 years) with severe malignant compression fractures of cervical vertebrae for vessel-plasty. Procedure duration, incidence of cement leakage and other complications, pain relief and improvement of neck function were analyzed. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and function by the neck disability index (NDI), with scores recorded before the procedure and at 3 days and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure. Results: A total of 16 vertebrae were treated. All vertebrae had destruction of bone in more than one place as well as broken bone walls. Mean procedure duration was 42.9±13.6 minutes. Bone cement leakage occurred in two vertebrae without any symptoms. No procedure-related complications occurred. Mean VAS and NDI declined from 7.1 ± 1.4 and 63.6 ± 16.3, respectively, before the procedure to 3.5 ± 1.1 and 37.4 ± 11.0, respectively, at three days after the procedure ( Conclusion: Vessel-plasty using BFMC appears to be effective and safe for malignant severe compression fractures in cervical vertebrae. It is effective in stabilizing vertebral body, relieving pain.