Percutaneous vertebroplasty

4 Other NICE recommendations on percutaneous vertebroplasty

Further recommendations have been made as part of the clinical guideline on metastatic spinal cord compression published in November 2008, as follows:

Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty should be considered for patients who have vertebral metastases and no evidence of MSCC or spinal instability if they have either:

Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty for spinal metastases should only be performed after agreement between appropriate specialists including an oncologist, interventional radiologist, and spinal surgeon, and in facilities where there is good access to spinal surgery.

Clinical and cost-effectiveness evidence was reviewed in the development of this guideline which has led to this more specific recommendation. For more information see the NICE guideline on metastatic spinal cord compression in adults.

The IP guidance on percutaneous vertebroplasty remains current, and should be read in conjunction with the clinical guideline.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued safety notices relating to this procedure (Reference No. MDA/2003/021).