title: Treatment of an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with the StaXx FX system resulting in intrathoracic wafers: a serious complication.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report a serious complication of the StaXx FX system used to stabilize an osteoporotic vertebral fracture.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 76-year-old woman presented with a painful vertebral fracture. Treatment by means of a PEEK wafer kyphoplasty was complicated by malposition of the wafers. The patient recovered fully after removal of the wafers by means of a thoracotomy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  New treatment modalities have their own pitfalls and possible complications, as demonstrated in this case report. Caution regarding implementation of new treatment modalities should be practiced.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Academic Medical Center, Postbus 22660, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Lplaat@hotmail.com
authors: L W
authors: LW
authors: van der Plaat
authors: G H
authors: GH
authors: Bulstra
authors: G H R
authors: GH
authors: Albers
authors: J P
authors: JP
authors: Eerenberg
authors: H M
authors: HM
authors: van der Vis
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D050815:Fractures, Compression / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D058498:Kyphoplasty / Q000009:adverse effects*; D058866:Osteoporotic Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D013908:Thoracotomy