Purpose of the study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of expanding a fractured vertebral body by transpedicular dilatation and stenting.7 human cadaveric vertebral bodies from L2 to L5 underwent axial compression until a vertebral burst fracture was provoked. Then, by bilateral transpedicular approach, balloon-catheters were introduced, which were armed with stents, usually used for angioplasty. The catheters were inflated with radiolucent fluid and the stents expanded under radiologic control. After expansion, the balloon was deflated and removed,the stents resting inside the vertebral body, holding their inflated shape. Then,the resulting hole was filled with an injectable biodegradable calcium-phosphate. CT-scans were performed after destruction and after expansion. Morphology before and after expansion was jugded, using 3-D reconstructions. Vertebral body strength was measured before destruction and after treatment with an Instron testing machine.Results: Vertebral body shape could be restored. Also impressed central parts of the bony endplate could be elevated by using a convergent approach through the pedicles. There was no colllaps of the vertebral body after removing the catheter-balloonsThe vertebral body strength could be restored up to a physiologic level. This procedure gives new perspectives in the treatment either of osteoporotic compression or traumatic vertebral fracture. By using CT-guided technique, it could be performed by a minimally invasive approach percutaneously.

Ziel der Studie war es, eine Methode zur minimal-invasiven Reposition und Aufrichtung frakturierter Wirbelkörper zu entwickeln.