Abstract: Objective To quantitatively observe the bone cement distribution characteristics after percutaneous curved vertebroplasty (PCVP). Methods The distribution areas of cement in the ipsilateral and contralateral sides in anterior?posterior X-ray were calculated and compared. Three-dimensional models of vertebral body and bone cement were established. The bone cement was segmented into ipsilateral/contralateral part by sagittal plane, and upward/downward part by axial plane. Cement volume and volume ratio of each part were calculated, and statistical analysis was performed. Results The cement distribution areas in the ipsilateral side and the contralateral side were 2.19-6.08 cm2 [(3.87±1.00) cm2] and 1.71-6.21 cm2 [(3.18±1.18) cm2], with a statistical significant difference (P<0.05). In the ipsilateral part, the mean cement volume, volume ratio to the whole cement, and volume ratio to the whole vertebral body were (4 821.7±1 151.8) mm3, (62.2±10.4) %, and (16.9±3.1) %, respectively. Same parameters in the contralateral part were (2 982.5±1 207.9) mm3, (37.8±10.4) %, and (10.8±4.2) %, respectively; differences in the parameters between the two parts were statistically significant (P<0.05). These parameters in the upward part were (4 242.9±1 165.8) mm3, (55.2±15.1) %, and (14.9±3.5) %, respectively, compared to the downward part as (3 574.3±1 539.7) mm3, (44.8±15.1) %, and (12.9±5.6) %, respectively, with no statistical significance (P>0.05). Conclusion Through quantitatively observing and describing the characteristics of cement distribution after PCVP, the study provides quantitative data for biomechanical modeling.

Key words: Vertebral compression fracture, Percutaneous curved vertebroplasty, Percutaneous vertebroplasty, Three-dimensional quantitative study, Bone cement distribution