Vertebral augmentation in osteoporotic and osteolytic fractures.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss recent advances in percutaneous minimally invasive vertebral augmentation techniques used in the treatment of osteolytic and osteoporotic compression fractures.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent data have shown that outcomes in patients with vertebral compression fractures treated with vertebral augmentation techniques have been encouraging. Several studies demonstrated the positive effects of vertebral augmentation on maintenance of postoperative pain reduction at long-term follow-up. There is more evidence on the relationship between vertebral augmentation and adjacent segment vertebral compression fractures. In addition, the literature verifies that good outcomes can be expected in patients with spinal metastases and multiple myeloma.

SUMMARY

The incidence of symptomatic vertebral compression fractures is on the rise. For those patients with severe pain or progressive collapse due to osteoporotic or osteolytic vertebral compression fractures, early vertebral augmentation affords excellent early pain relief, early return to function, and restores and maintains sagittal alignment.