Percutaneous vertebroplasty versus balloon kyphoplasty for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture: a meta-analysis of randomised and non-randomised controlled trials

Eight studies (randomized and non-randomized controlled trials) involving 848 patients were identified to determine which treatment, vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, was more effective in treating vertebral compression fractures. While vertebroplasty was observed to be more effective in short-term pain relief, kyphoplasty produced superior capability for intermediate-term functional improvement. However, there were no significant differences between the two interventions regarding long-term improvement in pain and function.