Advancements in Vertebral Augmentation: Innovations in Biomaterials and Cement Compositions

Recent advancements in bone tissue engineering have substantially shifted the focus within the field of percutaneous vertebral augmentation, pushing the procedure to evolve from a structural support approach to a regenerative therapeutic approach. Vertebral augmentation currently relies on bone cements to stabilize osteoporotic vertebral fractures, primarily aiming to alleviate pain and to restore function. However, new materials, including ceramic-based cements and hydrogels, are designed to enhance biocompatibility and osteointegration and to promote bone regeneration. Advancements in scaffold design, focusing on porosity, resorbability, and mechanical stability enable these materials to mimic native bone structures, offering both mechanical support and regenerative potential. These innovations mark a shift toward more functional, biologically integrated solutions in vertebral augmentation, with promising applications in complex disease processes beyond acute compression fractures.