E-ISSN: 1019-5157
ISSN: 2651-5024
Research
Practice Patterns of Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: A Survey of Neurosurgeons
Murat Özcan Yay✉ ,
Ferhat Harman
Nöroşirürji, Aydın Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi; Neurosurgery, Marmara Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.51506-26.2
Accepted: 12/06/2026
Article in Press
Corresponding Author:
Murat Özcan Yay (ozcan_yay@hotmail.com)
Abstract
Aim
Vertebral augmentation procedures, such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, are widely used for painful vertebral compression fractures, despite mixed evidence on their effectiveness in osteoporotic fractures and substantial variation in clinical practice. This nationwide survey aimed to characterize current vertebral augmentation practices among neurosurgeons in Türkiye, with particular emphasis on patient selection, procedural approaches, complication experience, and post-procedure osteoporosis management.
Material and Methods
A national, cross-sectional, anonymous, web-based survey was conducted among neurosurgeons practicing in Türkiye. The questionnaire collected data on clinician and institutional characteristics, indications and timing for vertebral augmentation, technical preferences, perceived complications, and approaches to secondary fracture prevention. Data were analyzed descriptively.
Results
Most respondents reported routinely performing vertebral augmentation at their centers, and many indicated substantial cumulative procedural experience. Clinical decision-making was primarily guided by pain severity and MRI-based fracture acuity. Support for vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty was highest for acute or subacute painful osteoporotic fractures refractory to conservative treatment. In contrast, support was lower for chronic fractures and traumatic fractures without neurologic deficit. Technical practice was relatively uniform, most commonly involving unilateral transpedicular access, local anesthesia with sedation, and single C-arm fluoroscopy. Cement leakage and adjacent-level fractures were frequently reported as lifetime experiences. Only a small minority of respondents reported having a written post-procedure osteoporosis protocol, and routine use of antiresorptive or anabolic therapy was limited.
Conclusion
Vertebral augmentation is widely used by neurosurgeons in Türkiye in a selective, patient-centered manner. Although technical practice is relatively consistent, structured secondary fracture prevention after vertebral augmentation is uncommon, highlighting an important opportunity to improve long-term outcomes.
Vertebral augmentation procedures, such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, are widely used for painful vertebral compression fractures, despite mixed evidence on their effectiveness in osteoporotic fractures and substantial variation in clinical practice. This nationwide survey aimed to characterize current vertebral augmentation practices among neurosurgeons in Türkiye, with particular emphasis on patient selection, procedural approaches, complication experience, and post-procedure osteoporosis management.
Material and Methods
A national, cross-sectional, anonymous, web-based survey was conducted among neurosurgeons practicing in Türkiye. The questionnaire collected data on clinician and institutional characteristics, indications and timing for vertebral augmentation, technical preferences, perceived complications, and approaches to secondary fracture prevention. Data were analyzed descriptively.
Results
Most respondents reported routinely performing vertebral augmentation at their centers, and many indicated substantial cumulative procedural experience. Clinical decision-making was primarily guided by pain severity and MRI-based fracture acuity. Support for vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty was highest for acute or subacute painful osteoporotic fractures refractory to conservative treatment. In contrast, support was lower for chronic fractures and traumatic fractures without neurologic deficit. Technical practice was relatively uniform, most commonly involving unilateral transpedicular access, local anesthesia with sedation, and single C-arm fluoroscopy. Cement leakage and adjacent-level fractures were frequently reported as lifetime experiences. Only a small minority of respondents reported having a written post-procedure osteoporosis protocol, and routine use of antiresorptive or anabolic therapy was limited.
Conclusion
Vertebral augmentation is widely used by neurosurgeons in Türkiye in a selective, patient-centered manner. Although technical practice is relatively consistent, structured secondary fracture prevention after vertebral augmentation is uncommon, highlighting an important opportunity to improve long-term outcomes.
Keywords
Vertebroplasty
Kyphoplasty
Compression Fractures
Osteoporosis
Surveys and Questionnaires