Percutaneous insertion of craniocaudal expandable implants for vertebral compression fracture

The condition

A vertebral compression fracture is a type of break in a bone in the spine in which the broken bone collapses. It can be caused by trauma, cancer or osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). Pain is the most common symptom. Initial treatment is conservative and includes pain killers and bed rest, and back braces to limit movement in the spine. People who still have pain after conservative treatment may need surgery to improve the structure of the spine.

NICE has looked at using percutaneous insertion of craniocaudal expandable implants as another treatment option.