Balloon-related complications and technical failures in kyphoplasty for vertebral fractures.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Our aim was to describe the immediate or early complications and technical failures occurring during balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) procedures and attributable to balloon inflation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all consecutive kyphoplasty procedures performed in our institution from May 2005 to October 2006. Fifty-one patients were treated by BKP at 75 spinal levels, and 137 vertebroplasties were performed as well.

RESULTS: Several recurrent complications or procedural failures were observed during BKP: cortical or endplate fracture by balloon expansion (4 vertebrae), partial vertebral re-collapse after deflation (4 vertebrae), balloon rupture during inflation (5 vertebrae), and transient hyperalgia after the procedure (11 patients, 27.5%).

CONCLUSIONS: Several symptomatic or asymptomatic complications and technical failures can occur during BKP. Some modifications of the usual kyphoplasty technique may decrease the frequency of these complications.