Balloon Vertebroplasty with Calcium Phosphate Cement Augmentation for Direct Restoration of Traumatic Thoracolumbar Vertebral Fractures

Study Design. A human cadaveric model was used to evaluate balloon vertebroplasty in traumatic vertebral fractures. Objectives. To assess the feasibility and safety of bal-loon vertebroplasty followed by calcium phosphate ce-ment augmentation to prevent recurrent kyphosis. Summary of Background Data. Failure after short-seg-ment pedicle-screw fixation for the treatment of vertebral fractures is probably caused by a redistribution of disc material through the fractured endplate into the vertebral body, causing a decrease in anterior column support. This lack of support can give rise to instrument breakage and recurrent kyphosis after removal of the instrumentation. Restoration of the endplate morphology could prevent these events