Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: Current Status, New Developments and Old Controversies

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive techniques applied for the treatment of vertebral fractures. Since not all vertebral compression fractures are the same, a tailored-based approach is necessary for optimum efficacy and safety results. Nowadays, different cements and materials are proposed as alternatives to the original poly-methylmethacrylate aiming to overcome the limitations and the risks governing its use. Both techniques are governed by high efficacy and low complication rates; multilevel treatment in a single session has been shown to be feasible with no compromise of the technique's safety and efficacy. The purpose of this article is to describe the basic concepts of spinal augmentation by means of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. The current status and future of cements used will be defined. Controversies upon issues concerning both techniques will be addressed. Finally, the necessity for a tailored-based approach applying different techniques for different fractures will be addressed.