2018 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting-Risk of Cement Leakage and Pulmonary Embolism by Bone Cement Augmented Pedicle Screw Fixation of the Thoracolumbar Spine

Risk of Cement Leakage and Pulmonary Embolism by Bone Cement Augmented Pedicle Screw Fixation of the Thoracolumbar Spine

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Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Bernhard Meyer discusses the risk of cement leakage and pulmonary embolism in bone cement augmented pedicle screws. He explains that the usage of these screws is common in Central Europe and German-speaking countries, especially for osteoporotic fractures and degenerative spine diseases. However, complications such as cement leakage and pulmonary embolism have been observed. Meyer presents case studies where cement leakage into veins caused pulmonary embolisms and led to the death of some patients. He concludes that there is a relatively high risk of asymptomatic cement leakage and recommends stricter indications and caution when using these screws. Meyer also mentions an ongoing prospective multi-center trial to further study these complications.

Asset Caption

Bernhard Meyer, MD (Germany)

Keywords

cement leakage

pulmonary embolism

bone cement augmented pedicle screws

osteoporotic fractures

degenerative spine diseases