Groups say vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty equal

Practitioners can choose either vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty to treat vertebral compression fractures until a prospective trial comparing the two techniques says otherwise, according a multisociety position statement on the issue.

The American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, the Society of Interventional Radiology, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and the American Society of Spine Radiology endorsed the statement. It asserts that vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are safe and efficacious procedures for the treatment of painful vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis or tumors. Both techniques provide long-lasting benefits that are superior to the conservative management of these patients, as long as they are performed in accordance with published standards (J Vasc Interv Radiol 2007;18[3]:325-330).