Current status of percutaneous vertebral augmentation techniques for vertebral compression fractures.

Vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is a common and debilitating problem that occurs in patients with osteoporosis and osteolytic tumors. Standard conservative management with narcotic analgesics, bracing, and immobilization is often ineffective, and major reconstructive surgery is poorly tolerated by this frail patient population. The limitations of conventional treatments stimulated the development of minimally invasive, percutaneous vertebral augmentation techniques, including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, which have become established as safe and effective treatments for VCF. This report reviews the current status of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty in the management of acute VCF.