Outcomes of Balloon Kyphoplasty and Its Use in Pathological Vertebral Compression Fractures; a Single Centre Experience

Introduction: In recent years balloon kyphoplasty has become increasingly implemented in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures and has been shown to be safe and efficacious at long term follow up particularly for patients with metastatic disease to the spine. At Waikato hospital, New Zealand, we looked at our outcomes compared with current literature. Methods: All patients who underwent balloon kyphoplastybetween 2008-2012 were included in the study and outcomes measured were pain scores and functional disability using the Oswestry disability index. Results: 12 patients were included in the study and average pain scores both at rest and on activity improved post-operatively. Functional disability significantly improved at short and long term follow-up. Conclusion: Balloon kyphoplasty is a safe and effective procedure and our results so far concur with current literature.