[Kyphoplasty using an enhanced balloon expander: an experimental study].
OBJECTIVE
To test the efficacy of kyphoplasty using an enhanced balloon expander in restoring the height of vertebral compression fractures (OVCF).


METHODS
Fifteen lumbar vertebral bodies (L1-L5) were harvested from 3 young male fresh cadavers and separated into individual vertebral bodies with the bilateral pedicles of the vertebral arch removed. Before operation, plain X-ray films of all the vertebral bodies were obtained. All the vertebral bodies were compressed lengthwise to approximately 80% of their original heights using a universal material-testing machine to result in compression fractures. Post-compression vertebral bodies were then repaired using an enhanced balloon expander, and the delivery of the bone cement into the vertebral bodies was observed. The heights of the anterior and posterior borders of the vertebral bodied were measured before and after compression as well as after kyphoplasty.


RESULTS
The inflation of the balloon expander averaged 2.95-/+0.18 ml and the pressure was 122.67-/+27.89 psi (1 psi=6895 Pa). Kyphoplasty resulted in significant restoration of the vertebral body height lost due to the compression (P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Kyphoplasty using an enhanced balloon expander may restore vertebral body height damaged by compression and correct the kyphotic deformity. The balloon expander can be a effective and economic choice for kyphoplasty for its relatively low cost.
Zhang
Deng-jun
DJ
Department of Spinal and Orthopedic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
Chen
Jian-ting
JT
Jin
Da-di
DD
D000328:Adult; D001843:Bone Cements; D002102:Cadaver; D002404:Catheterization; D050815:Fractures, Compression / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D015625:Tissue Expansion Devices; D054854:Vertebroplasty / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
D001843:Bone Cements