Guidance

1 Guidance

1 Guidance

1.1 Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty appears adequate to support the use of the procedure, provided that normal arrangements are in place for consent, audit and clinical governance.

1.2 The following are recommended.

  • This procedure should only be undertaken when there are arrangements for good access to a spinal surgery service, and with prior discussion between a specialist multidisciplinary team that includes a radiologist and a spinal surgeon.

  • Clinicians should receive training to reach an appropriate level of expertise before carrying out this procedure. In particular, they must follow the manufacturer's instructions for making the cement, to reduce the risk of embolisation.

  • The procedure should be limited to patients whose pain is refractory to more conservative treatment.