Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty: reasons for concern?

Two different minimally invasive percutaneous vertebral augmentation methods for cement application into the vertebral body for the management of symptomatic compression fractures without neurologic impairment have been developed, namely, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. In vertebroplasty, polymethylmethacrylate cement is injected percutaneously into a collapsed vertebral body. Kyphoplasty involves placing an inflatable bone tamp percutaneously into a vertebral body. The inflation of the bone tamp with fluid allows restoration of vertebral height and correction of the kyphosis. After deflation, the cavity that has been produced is filled by injection of polymethylmethacrylate. This article provides an overview of the state of the art in vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, discussing the indications, techniques, results, and pitfalls.