Chang Gung medical journal
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Vertebral compression fracture is the most common complication of osteoporosis. It may result in persistent severe pain and limited mobility, and significantly impact the quality of life. Conservative therapy using external bracing, bed rest and analgesics is necessary for pain control in these patients. ⋯ Since then, vertebroplasty has been widely accepted for the treatment of vertebral osteoporotic compression fractures without neurological damage. This article summarizes the advances in vertebroplasty, and discusses the indications, technique, alternative methods, results and complications. The contents include a review of the supporting evidence to provide a comparison of the safety and efficacy of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.