Percutaneous insertion of craniocaudal expandable implants for vertebral compression fracture

The procedure

The aim of inserting a percutaneous craniocaudal expandable implant for a vertebral compression fracture is to strengthen the bone and increase its height, increase mobility and relieve pain. The implant is inserted with the patient lying on their front, and using a general, regional or local anaesthetic. An unexpanded implant is placed inside the affected level in the spine using x-ray guidance. It is then expanded with special instruments to restore the vertebral height. Bone cement is then injected into and around the implant.