Armed kyphoplasty-the future?

Percutaneous vertebral augmentation with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in combination with, or without percutaneous implants are typically indicated in fractures involving the anterior and middle column. These techniques decrease fracture related pain and provide improved anterior column stability. When fractures or lytic neoplasms involve the middle and posterior columns, however, anterior and posterior surgical fixation and stabilization are considered the standard of care. Well documented high complication and mortality risks are seen in the literature regarding such invasive open surgeries, especially in patients with poor bone quality.1 The authors highlight the importance of obtaining less invasive options for providing stability to both the anterior and posterior columns. Over the last few years, Cianfoni et al., and others have published on the Stent Assisted Internal Fixation (SAIF) technique.2–6 The initial report described the use of anteriorly placed balloon expandable...
Source: Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery - Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Tags: Commentary Source Type: research