Kyphoplasty and Cement Extravasation: Does Cement in the Disk Compromise the Outcome?

PURPOSE: Cement extravasation through the fractured end plate of a vertebral compression fracture is not uncommon during kyphoplasty. Does this extravasation compromise the outcome?

METHOD: Outcomes of kyphoplasty in 52 patients with a total of 89 levels treated were evaluated. X-rays were reviewed to determine if intradiscal cement extravasation occurred. We did not attempt to quantify how much cement extravasated.

RESULTS: Cement extravasation into the disk did not have an impact on degree of improvement in the preoperative pain.

CONCLUSIONS: During kyphoplasty the goal is to have all the cement contained in the vertebral body. It is not unusual to have cement extravasate into the adjacent disk. The presence of cement in the disk did not compromise the outcome. One patient did have cement in the canal and did suffer radicular complaints postoperatively.