Unilateral extrapedicular vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty in lumbar compression fractures : technique, anatomy and preliminary results.

Objective: A single balloon extrapedicular kyphoplasty has been introduced as one of the unilateral approaches for thoracic compression fractures; however, the unilateral extrapedicular technique in the lumbar area needs a further understanding of structures in the lumbar area. The purpose of the present study is to describe methods and pitfalls of this procedure based on the anatomy of the lumbar area and to analyze clinical outcome and complications.

Methods: Anatomical evaluation was performed with 2 human cadavers.