What are the complications associated with vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty?
Complications for both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty have included death, cardiac arrest, cement pulmonary embolism, paralysis from cement intrusion into the spinal canal, and pedicle fracture. Also, epidural hematoma, discitis, osteomyelitis, pneumothorax, hypotension, urine retention, and dural puncture have been reported with kyphoplasty. Allergic reactions and urine retention have been reported with vertebroplasty. Much of the concern with vertebral augmentation has been cement leakage resulting in pulmonary embolism or spinal canal compression. The vast majority of cement leakage is asymptomatic. Another concern has been that alteration of spinal biomechanics after augmentation may lead to adjacent fractures.
