ABSTRACT
Vertebral body augmentation encompasses a group of minimally invasive therapies that fortify vertebral body insufficiency fractures due to osteoporosis, osteolytic conditions, or minor trauma. Percutaneous vertebroplasty is the best-known augmentation procedure, with a proven track record of safety and efficacy. A similar procedure called kyphoplasty, also known as “balloonassisted vertebroplasty,” has recently gained popularity. Evolving techniques such as lordoplasty and the uses of new devices such as steerable needles, vertebral body stents (Synthes, West Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.), deployable grafting systems (OptiMesh, Spineology, St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.), and permanent structural implants (StaXx Fracture Repair System, Spine Wave, Inc., Shelton, Connecticut, U.S.) are being promoted. The fundamental goal of all these procedures is to provide improved compressive strength to the vertebral body and prevent its further collapse through the introduction of a stabilizing material. The major clinical benefit of vertebral augmentation is pain relief, the mechanism of which is unclear. Other clinical benefits such as restoration of the vertebral body height and reduction of kyphotic angulation have been suggested, although not proven.
