Guidance

1 Guidance

1 Guidance

This guidance replaces previous guidance on balloon kyphoplasty for vertebral compression fractures (November 2003).

1.1 Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of balloon kyphoplasty for vertebral compression fractures appears adequate to support the use of this procedure provided that normal arrangements are in place for consent, audit and clinical governance.

1.2 The following are recommended.

  • This procedure should only be undertaken with prior discussion by a specialist multidisciplinary team that includes a radiologist and a spinal surgeon, and when there are facilities for good imaging, and arrangements for good access to a spinal surgery service.

  • Clinicians should receive training to reach an appropriate level of expertise before carrying out this procedure. In particular, they must follow the manufacturer's instructions for making the cement, to reduce the risk of embolisation.