What risks are associated with percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty?
Although percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are low risk procedures, they still have the potential to cause complications such as: • Infections. Any procedure in which skin is penetrated infection is always a risk • Bleeding, back pain or neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling may occur • A small amount of cement can leak in epidural or para-spinous veins which can lead to ascending venous thrombosis, spinal stenosis or nerve root compression. • Rib or vertebral posterior element fracture • Patients who have osteoporosis may get fracture in other vertebrae and may assume the treatment was not beneficial • There is a minor risk of allergic reactions