Pre-vertebroplasty work-up
The patient and caregivers were informed of the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as the paucity of evidence for the procedure in the pediatric setting, and written informed consent was obtained. Since all patients had spine, chest, or abdominal computed-tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed for other reasons less than 3 months prior to vertebroplasty, no further imaging was necessary prior to the intervention. Platelet count of >50,000/mcL and INR < 1.5 were required to proceed. Any supplementary laboratory workup deemed necessary by the anesthesiologist was completed.