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What is the role of vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic fractures? A review of the recent literature

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Abstract

Purpose

Vertebral augmentation procedures such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are utilized in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). However, their capacity for providing analgesia, reducing disability, and improving quality of life in patients with osteoporotic VCFs remains a topic of debate. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize the latest evidence for the safety and efficacy of vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Cochrane electronic databases for systematic reviews, review articles, meta-analyses, and randomized clinical trials prior to May 2017. The keywords were “vertebroplasty,” “kyphoplasty,” and “vertebral augmentation.”

Results

Thirty-three papers (7 systematic reviews, 6 cohort studies, 15 randomized clinical trials, and 5 international guidelines) were included in this narrative review.

Conclusion

Vertebral augmentation is a safe procedure, with low rates of serious complications and no increase in subsequent post-treatment fracture risk.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiology Department SS Trinità Hospital, ATS Sardegna, ASSL Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy

    Stefano Marcia & Emanuele Piras

  2. Neuroradiology Department, Ospedale Cardarelli, Via Antonio Cardarelli 9, 80100, Naples, Italy

    Mario Muto

  3. Neuroendovascular Program, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Joshua A. Hirsch

  4. Interventional Neuroradiology Unit, Monash Imaging, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

    Ronil V. Chandra & Nicole Carter

  5. Department of Radiology, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy

    Paola Crivelli

  6. Department of Radiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy

    Luca Saba

  7. Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria of Cagliari, SS 554 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy

    Luca Saba

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  1. Stefano Marcia
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  2. Mario Muto
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  3. Joshua A. Hirsch
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Correspondence to Luca Saba.

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Marcia, S., Muto, M., Hirsch, J.A. et al. What is the role of vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic fractures? A review of the recent literature. Neuroradiology 60, 777–783 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-018-2042-0

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