Vertebroplasty Of The Lower Thoracic Spine, Posterior View

Description

Lower thoracic vertebrae are presented from a posterior perspective, with the spinous processes aligned in the midline and the laminae and inferior articular processes framing the vertebral arch on either side. A vertebroplasty needle tracks toward the vertebral body through a transpedicular corridor, so the pedicle lies lateral to the spinal canal and medial to the transverse process at the level of access. Within the cancellous compartment of the vertebral body, surgical cement is visualized as it occupies the central trabecular space, positioned anterior to the posterior vertebral wall and medial to the cortical shell. Entry and fill are the focus. Vertebroplasty is most often performed for painful vertebral compression fractures, commonly osteoporotic in the lower thoracic region (around T10 to T12), and for selected neoplastic lesions when mechanical pain persists despite conservative care. The posterior view emphasizes the bony landmarks that matter during a transpedicular approach, where keeping the needle medial enough to remain within the pedicle yet lateral enough to avoid breaching the medial pedicle wall reduces the risk of epidural cement extravasation and spinal canal compromise. Cement distribution within the vertebral body also relates directly to outcomes and complications, including leakage into the basivertebral venous system with possible pulmonary cement embolism. Use this illustration in spine surgery atlases, interventional radiology teaching files, and anatomy modules that cover vertebral arch landmarks, pedicle orientation, and percutaneous cement augmentation techniques. It also fits patient education materials discussing vertebroplasty for thoracic compression fractures and the procedural targets within the vertebral body. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.