Pulmonary cement embolization after kyphoplasty: a case report and review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Kyphoplasty is performed for the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures. A theoretical advantage of this technique is the reduced risk of embolization of cement.


METHODS
Case report of an incidental finding of cement pulmonary embolization after kyphoplasty of an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.


RESULTS
Here we report a patient who presented with an incidental finding of pulmonary embolization after kyphoplasty and review the relevant literature.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients who present with symptoms of respiratory distress after kyphoplasty should undergo workup for pulmonary embolism. Clinicians may consider routine postoperative chest radiographs after kyphoplasty to screen for embolic disease. Further research is necessary to identify the risk factors and possible long-term sequelae of cement embolization.
Radcliff
Kristen E
KE
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. radcliffk@gmail.com
Reitman
Charles A
CA
Delasotta
Lawrence A
LA
Hong
Joseph
J
DiIorio
Timothy
T
Zaslavsky
James
J
Vaccaro
Alexander R
AR
Hipp
John A
JA
D000368:Aged; D001843:Bone Cements / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D050815:Fractures, Compression / Q000601:surgery; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D058498:Kyphoplasty / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery
D001843:Bone Cements