Comparison of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for complications.
Vertebroplasty (VP) and kyphoplasty (KP) have been proven equally effective in providing pain relief in patients with vertebral compression fractures (VCF). Both have been reported to have multiple complications which, though rare, are potentially devastating. This literature review focuses on comparing the incidence of various types of complication of VP and KP. Local cement leakage and pulmonary cement embolism have been reported more commonly after VP than KP. It is questionable whether the relative risk of developing an adjacent level new fracture after VP is greater than after KP The relationship between a new VCF and each of these procedures has also not been clearly established. Although the majority of complications are clinically silent, their potential risks, which include a fatal outcome, should always be kept in mind by the practitioner.
Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China. bird0496@sina.com
Ji-dong
JD
Zhang
Bart
B
Poffyn
Gwen
G
Sys
Dirk
D
Uyttendaele
D001843:Bone Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050815:Fractures, Compression / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D058498:Kyphoplasty / Q000009:adverse effects; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D054854:Vertebroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects*
D001843:Bone Cements; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate