title: Prophylactic stabilization of vertebral body metastasis at risk of imminent fracture using balloon kyphoplasty.
abstract: METHODS
  Case report.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Presentation of the previously unreported technique of balloon kyphoplasty being used to prophylactically stabilize a vertebral body metastasis at risk of imminent fracture.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Many patients with spinal metastases are not suitable for a total en bloc resection. Untreated these metastases may fracture, with the risk of cord compression.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present the case of a 53-year-old gentleman with an isolated T10 renal cell metastasis. This gentleman presented with back pain, and was deemed to be at risk of imminent fracture. The metastasis was prophylactically stabilized using balloon kyphoplasty.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Lasting pain relief and spinal stability were achieved following treatment with balloon kyphoplasty. He remains pain free 14-months post treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first reported case of balloon kyphoplasty being used to prophylactically stabilize a vertebral body containing a metastasis, achieving both mechanical stability and pain relief.
authors.affiliation: The Spinal Deformity Unit, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, United Kingdom. jameslangdon@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Langdon
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bernard
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Molloy
mesh_terms: D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000473:pathology; D050815:Fractures, Compression / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D054854:Vertebroplasty / Q000379:methods