Abstract
Background
Cementoplasty is widely used for spinal and weight-bearing extraspinal lesions, but its application in extraspinal thoracic bones (sternum, ribs, clavicles, and scapulae) remains poorly documented.
Purpose
To evaluate the feasibility, safety and pain outcomes of cementoplasty for extraspinal thoracic bone lesions.
Material and Methods
All consecutive patients who underwent cementoplasty of an extraspinal thoracic bone between March 2012 and December 2024 were retrospectively included. The following data were systematically assessed: degree of lesion filling, fracture stabilization, cement leakage, adverse events, and pain outcome at 3 months postoperatively, assessed from follow-up consultations using a four-level semi-quantitative scale (worsening pain, stable pain, pain improvement, or complete pain resolution).
Results
A total of 59 extraspinal thoracic bones were treated by cementoplasty during 51 procedures among 43 consecutive patients (27 women [63%] and 16 men [37%]; median age = 60 years). Most lesions were metastases or multiple myeloma lesions. Among patients with available follow-up, pain improvement or complete pain resolution was observed in 29/33 (88%) patients. Cement filling of more than 60% of the lesion volume was achieved in 40/45 (89%) focal lesions. Fracture stabilization was successful in 20/23 (87%) cases. Major cement leakage occurred in 5/56 (9%) treated bones with available postoperative imaging and was asymptomatic in all cases. One infectious complication was recorded.
Conclusion
Cementoplasty of extraspinal thoracic bone lesions appears technically feasible and may represent a valuable palliative option for pain relief with an acceptable safety profile.
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