Efficacy and safety of balloon kyphoplasty compared with non-surgical care for vertebral compression fracture (FREE): a randomised controlled trial.

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Published at: linkinghub.elsevier.com.ezproxy.its.uu.se

The Validity of Kyphoplasty

April 29, 2009

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

This article helps validate Kyphoplasty from the European front.  It does not, however, have direct translation from a financial standpoint beacuse there are vast differences in healthcare funding from Eurpo to the US.

One-year results of FREE-study support the use of kyphoplasty in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (Kyphon, Medtronic)

April 20, 2009

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

The results of the FREE-study encourage the use of kyphoplasty to stabilize osteoporotic compression fractures, and will have major impact on reimbursement of kyphoplasty in Europe and the rest of the world. Already after 1 month pain (VAS), Quality of Life (EQ5D), and function (SF-36) is significantly improved, if kyphoplasty is used to stabilize osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, which is pertained during one year followup.

My experience as a Primary Care provider

April 20, 2009

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

We are quite fortunate to have several orthopods who do this procedure at our Yale affiliated teaching hospital.  We have had Grand Rounds on this procedure (intended to "sell" us on the concept) and I have had 2 office details by Reps in the past from Kyphon.  I just had a recent case of a 92 year woman with 2 vertebral fractures who got relief in 2-3 days, but has now had problems with a shifted "X-Stop" device she is scheduled to have removed soon.