Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and vertebral augmentation.

Vertebral fractures account for ~27% of all osteoporotic fractures in both men and women. The economic burden is substantial and growing: osteoporosis is expected to affect 14 million people by the year 2020. There is substantial morbidity associated with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) including decreased quality of life, reduced pulmonary function, and increased mortality. Relatively recent additions to the treatment armamentarium include vertebral augmentation using vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Numerous retrospective and case studies demonstrate short-term efficacy and low complication rates of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic VCFs, but controlled trials are needed for validation. The pathophysiology, risk factors, consequences, characteristics, and imaging of osteoporotic VCFs are presented in detail along with a discussion of treatment options and patient selection. Vertebral augmentation is comprehensively reviewed, including the technical aspects of the procedures, contraindications, complications, and clinical outcomes.