Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal
Volume 60, Issue 5 , Pages 273-278, December 2009

SKyphoplasty

Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Abstract 

Objective

SKyphoplasty is a new method of percutaneous spinal augmentation. Despite its limited availability in the United States, SKyphoplasty has experienced considerable growth in recent years. In this article, we aim to provide a stepwise documentation of the technique, with brief reference to the 2 established methods, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.

Conclusion

Experience with SKyphoplasty is relatively limited, and little information has appeared in the literature to support its theoretical benefits. After review of previously published material, an audit of our institutional experience, and discussion with other practioners who perform this procedure, it would appear that pain relief by using this device is at best similar to that of conventional vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. There was no evidence of height restoration in our patient population, an advantage that has been brought into question.

Abrégé 

Objectif

La skyphoplastie est une nouvelle méthode d'augmentation vertébrale percutanée. Bien qu'elle soit peu disponible aux États-Unis, la skyphoplastie a connu une croissance considérable au cours des dernières années. Dans cet article, nous entendons documenter les étapes de cette technique, tout en décrivant brièvement les deux méthodes établies, la vertébroplastie et la kyphoplastie.

Conclusion

L'expérience de la skyphoplastie est relativement limitée, et la littérature contient peu d'information pour appuyer ses avantages théoriques. Après l'analyse des documents publiés, une vérification de notre expérience en établissement et des discussions avec des personnes qui pratiquent cette intervention, il semble que le soulagement de la douleur au moyen de ce dispositif soit au mieux semblable à celui obtenu avec la vertébroplastie et la kyphoplastie classiques. Il n'existait aucune preuve de rétablissement de la taille dans notre groupe de patients, un avantage qui a été remis en question.

Key Words: SKyphoplasty, Spine fracture, Osteoporosis, Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty

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PII: S0846-5371(09)00152-1

doi:10.1016/j.carj.2009.07.004

Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal
Volume 60, Issue 5 , Pages 273-278, December 2009