Balloon catheter spine augmentation system PKP

percutaneous kyphoplasty

Vertebral augmentation is a minimally invasive treatment option for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, particularly in the thoracolumbar spine. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) stabilizes the affected vertebra by injecting bone cement into the fracture site, helping relieve pain and prevent further collapse. Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) adds a balloon expansion step before cement injection. By creating a cavity within the vertebral body, PKP can provide better restoration of vertebral height while stabilizing the fracture and reducing pain. -Classification and Techniques of Vertebral Augmentation Vertebral augmentation mainly includes two commonly used techniques: • Percutaneous Vertebroplasty (PVP) • Percutaneous Kyphoplasty (PKP) 1. PVP Through a small posterior incision, a specialized trocar is introduced percutaneously into the affected vertebral body under fluoroscopic guidance. After establishing the working channel, bone cement is delivered into the vertebra to stabilize the fracture, limit further collapse, and alleviate pain. 2. PKP PKP uses a balloon to expand the compressed vertebral body before cement injection. Balloon inflation compacts the surrounding cancellous bone and forms a cavity for cement placement. Comparison: PKP vs. PVP Both techniques provide vertebral stabilization and pain relief. However, PKP offers an additional vertebral height restoration step through balloon expansion and is generally more suitable when restoration of vertebral height or correction of kyphotic deformity is an important treatment objective.