Percutaneous image-guided augmentation for spinal metastatic tumors.

The purpose of this article is to review the current state of the art for treating symptomatic spinal fractures associated with malignant lesions by image-guided interventional techniques. Epidemiology, clinical presentation, and biomechanical ramifications of these lesions are summarized. A suggested treatment algorithm is also presented. The second part of the article deals with how to approach these lesions, explaining the issues that pertain to patient evaluation, preoperative, operative, and postoperative treatment regimes. Tips for certain difficult situations and potential complications are also discussed.