The efficacy of a percutaneous expandable titanium device in anatomical reduction of vertebral compression fractures of the thoracolumbar spine

A 3D computerized calculation of the kyphotic angle. The least-squares plane through these points is used to compute the angular orientation of the endplates. The angle measured is the difference between upper and lower vertebral endplates.

Intraoperative radiographs demonstrating the main steps of the technique. The anterior-posterior (A) and lateral (B) view demonstrate bilateral percutaneous transpedicular placement of the implant. The implant is expanded (C) and after adequate restoration, the cement is injected under fluoroscopic monitoring.

A case illustration of a 42-year-old male presented after a trivial fall with severe lower back pain and normal neurological exam (visual analogue scale 9). Lateral radiograph (A) demonstrated vertebral compression fractures (VCF) (type A1.3). Sagittal B), coronal C), and axial D) CT scans demonstrate fracture of the upper endplate and kyphotic deformity. A T2-WI sagittal MRI scan E) demonstrated high signal intensity (edema) at the fracture site. One-year follow up lateral radiograph F) showing adequate fusion of the VCF was demonstrated on sagittal G) and axial H) CT scans.