title: SKyphoplasty.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  SKyphoplasty is a new method of percutaneous spinal augmentation. Despite its limited availability in the United States, SKyphoplasty has experienced considerable growth in recent years. In this article, we aim to provide a stepwise documentation of the technique, with brief reference to the 2 established methods, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Experience with SKyphoplasty is relatively limited, and little information has appeared in the literature to support its theoretical benefits. After review of previously published material, an audit of our institutional experience, and discussion with other practioners who perform this procedure, it would appear that pain relief by using this device is at best similar to that of conventional vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. There was no evidence of height restoration in our patient population, an advantage that has been brought into question.
authors.affiliation: Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Raisal
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rashid
authors.forename: Peter L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Munk
authors.forename: Manraj
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heran
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Malfair
authors.forename: Owen
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Chiu
mesh_terms: D001843:Bone Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000601:surgery*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D054854:Vertebroplasty / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D001843:Bone Cements