Vertebroplasty in Patients with Tumour-Related Vertebral Fractures: Is Rehabilitation Needed?

ABSTRACT

For about 20 years, vertebroplasty has been used to achieve relief from pain and improve function in eligible patients affected by vertebral fractures. The procedure is also performed in patients with tumours of the vertebral body. The aim of this study was to investigate, by means of a literature review, correlations between vertebroplasty and the need for rehabilitation after patients with tumour-related vertebral fractures were operated on. This review was based on literature from the US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health (PubMed), using the following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms "vertebroplasty," "surgical procedures minimally invasive," "bone neoplasm," "spine," "postoperative care," "rehabilitation," and "exercise." In total, 14 citations were retrieved potentially relevant studies were identified by searching titles and abstracts, and then the full text of the selected articles was reviewed. From this review, the postoperative course of vertebroplasty today does not strictly indicate the need for rehabilitation.