Complications related to vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty

Vertebral augmentation with percutaneous vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty is rapidly becoming a preferred intervention for the treatment of pain associated with vertebral body disruption. Vertebral integrity can be compromised by a variety of processes, including vertebral compression fractures, which account for the majority of vertebral augmentation procedures performed each year. Most published outcome studies of vertebroplasty reveal improvement in short-term pain reduction. Long-term follow-up studies are lacking. Complications arising from these procedures are uncommon and most often involve leakage of cement into the perivertebral tissues. Cardiovascular, neurologic, and severe hypotensive complications are also seen with these procedures and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Complication incidence studies are needed.