2006 Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty eMedicine Radiology

Description: Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are radiologic procedures for the treatment of the intense pain caused by vertebral compression fracture in patients whose pain has been refractory to medical management or bracing. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty involve the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved intraosseous injection of acrylic cement under local anesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance to control the pain of vertebral fractures associated with osteoporosis, tumors, and trauma. Typically, vertebroplasties are performed in an outpatient setting, while kyphoplasty typically requires hospital admission. Pain reduction or elimination is immediate, and the risk of complications is low. Neither vertebroplasty nor kyphoplasty are intended for the treatment of intervertebral disc disease or arthritis.
Synonyms and related keywords: back pain treatment, vertebral compression fracture, vertebral fracture, acrylic cement injection, lumbar vertebroplasty, thoracic vertebroplasty
Jeffrey P Kochan, MD 2006 Updated 2011