Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a curative method based on the insertion of a vertebroplasty needle and application of bone polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement into the damaged vertebra. Within September 2003 – April 2005, 80 percutaneous vertebroplasties in 58 patients (46 women, 12 men), aged 50–78 years, were performed in our department. Significant pain decrease lasting for a period of 12 months was achieved in 72 % of the patients treated. Symptomatic complications were minimal (1.8 %), one patient developed radiculopathy (small bone cement leakage into the spinal canal), which disappeared after corticosteroid therapy by 24 hours. Asymptomatic complications occurred in 10 patients (15.8 %), totally 22 vertebrae (27.5 %). In 6 (4.8 %) vertebrae, polymethylmethacrylate mixture migration into paravertebral veins, twice (1.8 %) into paravertebral muscles, twice (2.5 %) epidurally, six-times (4.8 %) into an intervertebral disc, and six-times (4.8 %) into paravertebral space were observed.

        Key words: percutaneous vertebroplasty, osteoporosis, compressive vertebral fracture, polymethylmethacrylate bone cement