WHICH Material used in veebroplasty is
**Core Concept**
Polymer-based bone cements are commonly used in vertebroplasty to stabilize and strengthen vertebral bodies, particularly in cases of osteoporotic compression fractures or vertebral body tumors.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct material used in vertebroplasty is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). PMMA is a type of bone cement that hardens upon exposure to a chemical catalyst, allowing it to fill the vertebral body and provide structural support. The polymerization reaction of PMMA involves the mixing of a powder and a liquid monomer, which then reacts to form a rigid, three-dimensional polymer network. This process is exothermic, releasing heat that can be managed with proper technique to prevent thermal injury to surrounding tissues.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Not applicable, as this option is missing.
* **Option B:** Not a commonly used material in vertebroplasty, although some researchers have explored the use of calcium phosphate cements as an alternative to PMMA.
* **Option C:** Not typically used in vertebroplasty, as it is not a suitable material for this application.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When performing vertebroplasty, it is essential to manage the exothermic reaction of PMMA to prevent thermal injury to surrounding tissues, such as the spinal cord or nerve roots.
**Correct Answer:** C. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)