What are the problems with kyphoplasty?

Several: Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are not risk-free. Short-term complications occur mainly due to extravasation of the cement and can include increased pain and damage from heat or pressure to the spinal cord or nerve roots as well as cement embolization. Long-term problems include local acceleration of bone resorption caused by the treatment itself and new vertebral fractures.

Unnecessary: Unless there is severe pain, there is little reason to consider kyphoplasty. Long term non-operative and operative results are the same.

None: Kyphoplasty is an excellent treatment for patients with osteoporotic compression fractures that are failing conservative care or are in debilitating pain. It is also successful in the treatment of pathologic features from certain metastatic tumors and multiple myeloma. It is not indicated for vertebral fractures in younger patients. Proper indications and patient selection are key. Kyphon.Com.