Brian Buonocore MD, PRESENTER: Nothing to Disclose

Abstract: HTML Purpose: To assess the efficacy and safety of kyphoplasty in the treatment of painful thoracic and lumbar vertebral body compression fractures. Methods and Materials: Kyphoplasty was performed for the treatment of painful thoracic or lumbar vertebral body compression fractures in seventy-two patients, for a total of eighty-six levels. The kyphoplasty technique consisted of a bilateral transpedicular approach with the use of bilateral inflatable balloon temps (Kyphon; Santa Clara, CA) and inflation of the balloons either to 300 PSI, to balloon encroachment on a cortical margin, or to height restoration. The heights of the affected vertebral bodies were measured before and after the procedure, and a percentage of height increase was calculated. The patients were followed after the procedure to determine the degree of pain relief. Results: Using standard kyphoplasty techniques, no intraoperative complications were encountered in any of the eighty-six procedures performed. Upon follow-up, seventy of the seventy-two patients reported significant pain relief. Vertebral body height was increased by between 25 and 50 % in thirty-two of eighty-six levels. Conclusion: In the presence of painful subacute thoracic or lumbar vertebral body compression fractures, kyphoplasty is an established treatment method. Our data indicate that kyphoplasty provides patients with significant pain relief as well as at least some degree of vertebral body height restoration. Kyphoplasty is a safe and efficacious procedure in properly selected patients.      

Buonocore MD, B, Kyphoplasty - An Established Technique for the Treatment of Painful Vertebral Body Compression Fractures.  Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3107448.html