Vertebroplasty versus kyphoplasty: a comparison and contrast.

The phrase “vertebroplasty versus kyphoplasty” evokes images of competitive procedures and groups of entrenched physicians locked in battle. Our involvement in the development and introduction of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) and kyphoplasty (KP) in the United States has given us a unique perspective on the safety and efficacy of both procedures. We feel that PV and KP both offer potential benefit with acceptable safety when used by skilled physicians. The real hurdles now are to further assess and develop the appropriate indications, advantages, and shortcomings of each procedure. We must then select the appropriate method of therapy to maximally benefit our patients. Finally, all practitioners must venture beyond the dogma of their respective subspecialties and understand the full spectrum of tools and techniques that are available to treat vertebral compression fractures.