Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are relatively new techniques used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Vertebroplasty is the injection of a vertebral body with bone cement, generally polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Kyphoplasty is the placement of balloons (called "tamps") into the vertebral body with an inflation/deflation sequence to create a cavity prior to the cement injection. These procedures are most often performed in a percutaneous fashion on an outpatient (or short stay) basis. The mechanism of action is unknown, but is postulated that stabilization of the fracture leads to analgesia. The procedure is indicated for painful vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis or malignancy, and painful hemangiomas. The procedure may have efficacy in painful vertebral metastasis and traumatic compression fractures. Much evidence favors the use of this procedure for pain associated with these disorders. The risks of the procedure are low but serious complications occur. The risks include spinal cord compression, nerve root compression, venous embolism, and pulmonary embolism including cardiovascular collapse. The risk/benefit ratio appears favorable in carefully selected patients. The technical aspects of the procedures in presented in detail along with patient selection. A comprehensive review of the evidence for the procedure and its reported complications is presented.