Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in the management of osteoporosis with subsequent vertebral compression fractures.

Osteoporosis with subsequent vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) is an increasingly common problem in western countries. This systematic review tries to update the evidence base for Balloon Kyphoplasty (BKP) and Vertebroplasty (PV) in the management of VCFs. We have analyzed 16 reviews and 97 articles. The majority of studies compares conventional medical management of VCFs to patients undergoing BKP or VP. We discuss selection criteria, techniques, potential complications, advantages and disadvantages, and results of each technique, recognizing that prospective, randomized controlled studies are necessary to objectively compare these techniques.