Balloon-Assisted Fracture Reduction in High-Energy Burst Fractures

The combination of percutaneus vertebral augmentation with posterior instrumentation may be an attractive treatment option for certain high energy burst fractures. Biomaterials such as calcium phosphate cement are biocompatible, share similar biomechanical properties to bone, and are gradually replaced by host bone tissue. Early biomechanical and clinical results indicate that the anterior column may be restored without the need of a traditional anterior surgical approach. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm that this less invasive approach improves patient outcome.