Vertebral augmentation.

Vertebral augmentation, including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure in which cement (typically polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)) is injected into a vertebral body to treat painful fractures. The majority of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures are performed to treat symptomatic osteoporotic compression fractures refractory to conservative medical therapy; however, there is also evidence to suggest the benefits of augmentation in patients with refractory pain in the acute compression setting. The primary goal of augmentation is decreasing pain and improving a patient's functional status. The secondary goal of augmentation is vertebral body stabilization. This chapter outlines the indications, contraindications, techniques, and literature behind vertebral augmentation.