Minimally Invasive Approaches to Vertebral Fractures and Osteolytic Lesions of the Spine
Summary
Percutaneous vertebroplasty may be considered medically necessary for symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral fractures that have failed to respond to conservative treatment (such as analgesics, physical therapy and rest) for at least 6 weeks, for symptomatic osteoporotic fractures less than 6 weeks old that have led to hospitalization or persist at a level that prevents ambulation, and for severe pain due to osteolytic lesions of the spine related to multiple myeloma or metastatic malignancies. Balloon kyphoplasty and mechanical vertebral augmentation with an FDA-cleared device follow similar criteria, while radiofrequency kyphoplasty and percutaneous sacroplasty are considered investigational. Investigational treatments are not considered medically necessary.
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