%0 Journal Article %T Percutaneous Vertebral Body Augmentation: An Updated Review %A Farzad Omidi-Kashani %J Surgery Research and Practice %D 2014 %R 10.1155/2014/815286 %X There are many medical conditions like osteoporosis, tumor, or osteonecrosis that weaken the structural strength of the vertebral body and prone it to fracture. Percutaneous vertebral augmentation that is usually applied by polymethylmethacrylate is a relatively safe, effective, and long lasting procedure commonly performed in these situations. In this paper, we updated a review of biomechanics, indications, contraindications, surgical techniques, complications, and overall prognosis of these minimally invasive spinal procedures. 1. Introduction There are many factors throughout the human life that pathologically weaken the structural strength of the vertebrae and put them at the risk of fracture. Undoubtedly, osteoporosis comprises the most common cause of this weakness and fragility [1]. With an aging population, the prevalence of osteoporotic compression fractures (OCFs) is also increasing. Since osteoporosis is a contraindication for internal fixation, another solution easily applicable to elderly patients should be employed. The idea of strengthening the weakened vertebral body (VB) was initially raised by Galibert et al. in 1987 [2]. They treated an aggressive vertebral hemangioma at C2 by injecting polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) into the involved bone. This percutaneous procedure caused almost immediate pain relief. From then onwards, vertebral augmentation is commonly used in the clinical treatment of the patients in need. In this updated review, we briefly discussed the clinical indication, contraindications, surgical techniques, efficacy, and complications of the various methods of vertebral augmentation. 2. Clinical Indications Clinically any pathologic process that reduces the strength of the VB can inevitably increase the fracture risk. These underlying factors may systemically weaken the bone throughout the body or act locally. Osteoporosis is the most common systemic disease that may present with pathologic vertebral fracture. Osteoporosis may be primary or secondary. Primary osteoporosis mainly occurs in postmenopausal women, but many OCFs happen in the patients with osteoporosis secondary to long-term steroid consumption such as the patients with cancer, collagen vascular diseases, transplant therapy, severe allergy, or asthma [3]. The majority of osteoporotic compression fractures will heal with conservative treatment. The typical indication for vertebral body augmentation (vertebroplasty: VP or kyphoplasty: KP) in OCF is refractory local back pain that is related to the fractured VB and not responding to standard medical treatment for %U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/srp/2014/815286/