Histological and radiographic evaluation of polymethylmethacrylate with two different concentrations of barium sulfate in a sheep vertebroplasty model.

Percutaneous vertebral augmentation with PMMA has been widely performed and usually provides good pain relief and stabilization of fractured vertebrae. Adequate visualization of PMMA during injection is desirable to minimize cement extravasation, so contrast agents such as barium sulfate are commonly added to the PMMA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences of histology and radiographic visualization when different concentrations of barium sulfate are mixed with PMMA. Six sheep were utilized in this study. Three vertebrae of each animal were exposed via retroperitoneal approach, and a cavity was created and then filled with either 10% or 30% BaSO4/PMMA, or left empty. Vertebrae were harvested and analyzed radiographically and histologically 12 and 90 days after surgery. Average CT value of the 30% BaSO4/PMMA group was 2.4-fold higher than that of the 10% BaSO4/PMMA group. Foreign-body giant cells were recognized around BaSO4particles at 90 days in the 30% BaSO4 group, whereas few particles were recognized in the 10% group at 90 days, or in either group at 12 days. A very mild giant-cell reaction is induced by a higher concentration of BaSO4 in PMMA, but the marked improvement in cement visualization by increased BaSO4 may be important to minimize more serious complications of cement extravasation during PMMA injection.