Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty for Vertebral Compression Fractures

Aging spine is prone to osteoporotic fractures that can cause considerable morbidity due to pain and deformity. Most osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures will respond to non-operative therapy that includes pain medications and bracing. For those who are resistant to conservative therapy, vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty can be a viable option. Most recent studies show 88%-96% satisfaction in pain reduction with vertebroplasty. Several studies have also shown similar satisfaction with kyphoplasty. Because these procedures are relatively new, however, indications, long-term effects, and intra-operative and peri-operative complications are not yet fully understood. Reported complications from both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are low, but can include increased pain, radiculopathy, spinal cord compression, pulmonary embolism, infection, and rib fractures. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, indications, complications, techniques, and new technologies of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.