[Minimally invasive therapy of painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures]

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease. Due to an increase of the older population an higher impact of osteoporosis and its treatment can be expected.

Painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures result in an increased morbidity and mortality. Standard treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures comprises analgetics, bed rest and, if needed, orthotics.

By mere augmentation of the vertebra with polymethylmet acrylate (PMMA), the so called "vertebroplasty" a good pain reduction and increase in function and quality of life can be achieved. With the technique of kyphoplasty (Kyphon) it is feasible to correct a kyphotic deformity. Inflatable balloons are introduced to the vertebra to lift the endplates. The created cavity is filled with bone cement (PMMA).

Kyphoplasty is able to correct osteoporosis induced kyphotic deformity. Compared to the technique of vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty is less risky but is more time consuming and more expensive. Time will show whether the expected advantage of deformity correction will result in a better outcome for the patient, e. g. in a lower incidence of refractures.