Is kyphoplasty necessary?

We describe four cases of delayed union in female patients with severe osteoporotic vertebral fractures, which were treated in a similar but less costly method to kyphoplasty. Due to domestic regulations, inflatable tamps for kyphoplasty are not available to every clinical orthopedists in Japan. In our clinical experience of four cases of delayed lumbar spine union between 2009 and 2010, we performed vertebroplasty using a reduction and spreading prod (Oyamada prod) for fracture reduction and a pediatric uromatic balloon (Medicon Co. Ltd.) to enlarge the pre-existing cavity. Our clinical results were comparable to those of kyphoplasty procedures performed in the USA. Our procedure could be used to overcome the shortage of medical supplies in developing countries or in countries such as Japan, which often prioritize financial concerns over providing optimal health care. Our method could serve as a useful compromise for moribund patients considering its cost efficiency.