International Osteoporosis Foundation: Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty a Good Option for Spinal Fractures

A literature review conducted by a working group of the International Osteoporosis Foundation conducted a study on vertebral augmentation after spinal fractures and found vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty were effective alternatives to conservative treatment, according to an IOF news release.

The reviewers concluded that vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are relatively safe and that serious complications were rare. The procedures have the potential to stabilize the fracture and restore lost vertebral height, according to the report, and they provide quicker pain relief and recovery than conservative treatment alone.

The benefits of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty versus a sham injection are still contentious, and the clinical outcome of the two procedures is still dependent on the length of time between fracture and intervention. The authors of the study recommend conducting further studies to standardize reporting of outcomes and complications.

Read the report on minimally invasive interventions for spinal fractures.