Reduction in Subsequent Fracture Rate after Balloon Kyphoplasty

Komp et al (1) followed 40 patients (36 completed the entire study). By six months, 7 of the 19 kyphoplasty-treated patients (37%) compared to 11 of the 17 non-surgically treated patients (65%) had a change in vertebral body morphology consistent with subsequent VCF. Kasperk et al (2) followed 60 patients with chronic VCF (fracture age >1 year) prospectively, of whom 40 chose treatment with kyphoplasty and 20 chose non-surgical treatment. By the six-month visit, 12.5% (5/40) of kyphoplasty patients in comparison to 30% (6/20) of non-surgically treated patients developed a new VCF.

Both trials also showed substantial reduction in pain and improvement of function among patients who underwent kyphoplasty but not among those treated non-surgically. Komp et al presents additional information regarding progressive loss of vertebral body height at six-month follow-up. The majority (94%) of the patients treated with non-surgical management had progressive loss of height compared to none of the balloon kyphoplasty patients.

References
1. Komp et al. Minimally invasive therapy for functionally unstable osteoporotic vertebral fracture by means of kyphoplasty: Prospective comparative study of 19 surgically and 17 conservatively treated patients. J Miner Stoffwech 2004:11(Suppl 1): 13-15.

2. Kasperk et al. Treatment of painful vertebral fractures by kyphoplasty in patients with primary osteoporosis: A prospective nonrandomized controlled study. J Bone Min Res 2005;20(4):604-612.

Fracture Line
Volume 2, Number 2, Winter 2005

The Fracture Line is published by Kyphon Inc. to educate and inform our customers about the latest advances in vertebral compression fracture management.

As with any surgery, there are potential risks. Although balloon kyphoplasty is designed to minimize these risks as much as possible, there is a chance that complications could occur. Serious adverse events can occur including: myocardial infarction (heart attack), cerebrovascular accident (stroke), pulmonary embolism (cement leakage that migrates to the lungs), cardiac arrest (heart stops beating), paralysis or muscle weakness, death. Patients should consult with their doctor for a full discussion of risks.