Pathogenesis of Vertebral Anterior Wedge Deformity: A 2-Stage Process?

Study Design: Biomechanical and radiographical study on cadaveric spines.

Objective: To explain the pathogenesis of vertebral "anterior wedge" deformity, which causes senile kyphosis.

Summary Of Background Data: This deformity arises with minimal trauma and is difficult to reproduce in cadaveric spines.

Is kyphoplasty better than vertebroplasty at restoring form and function after severe vertebral wedge fractures?

Background Context: The vertebral augmentation procedures, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, can relieve pain and facilitate mobilization of patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Kyphoplasty also aims to restore vertebral body height before cement injection and so may be advantageous for more severe fractures.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty to restore vertebral height, shape, and mechanical function after severe vertebral wedge fractures.