Kyphoplasty Technique for Thoraco-Lumbar Compression Fracture

Abstract

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among elderly patients. Fractures can happen because of osteoporosis, tumours, or other conditions.In the past two decades, kyphoplasty has emerged as surgical options that play a central role in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures. Before the common use of kyphoplasty, the principal surgical option for treatment of compression fractures was decompression and fusion. However, surgical fixation frequently failed in elderly patients because of osteopenia. Kyphoplasty has expanded to include treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures, traumatic compression fractures, and metastatic compression fractures. Osteoporotic compression fractures are now the most common indication for this procedure.Kyphoplasty utilizes an inflatable balloon to create a cavity for the cement with the additional potential goals of restoring height and reducing kyphosis. Kyphoplasty is an effective treatment options for the reduction of pain associated with vertebral body compression fractures. Biomechanical studies demonstrate that kyphoplasty is initially superior for increasing vertebral body height and reducing kyphosis, but these gains are lost with repetitive loading. Complications secondary to extravasation of cement include compression of neural elements and venous embolism. These complications are rare but more common with vertebroplasty. Kyphoplasty is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of vertebral body compression fractures.