Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.

Vertebral fractures are a major health care problem in Western countries. Pain and deformity are the major problems related to these fractures, with an enormous impact on the quality of life. Surgery is indicated in patients with concurrent spinal instability or neurologic deficit. The cornerstone of management for vertebral body fractures without neurological impairment is medical therapy, which include analgesics, bed rest, orthoses and rehabilitation. In the majority of patients such treatment modalities are effective. However, conservative management measures are not indicated for every type of fracture. Two different percutaneous minimally invasive vertebral augmentation methods for cement application into the vertebral body in the management of symptomatic fractures without neurological impairment have been developed, namely vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Aim of this paper is to give an overview of the state of the art about vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, discussing the indications, techniques, results and pitfalls.