Background: As a further alternative to previously used vertebral augmentation methods, the Kiva VCF Treatment System® was clinically investigated.
Material and methods: The pilot study included 24 patients (mean age 74 years, 34 vertebrae).
Results: During an operation period of 16.6 minutes on average 2.2 ± 1 mL of PMMA cement were injected. 87 % of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with this treatment. In 2 cases leakage of cement has been registered. The pain intensity was already reduced after 7 days to 69.5 mm (VAS scale 0-100). After 30 days, the difference from baseline was 76 mm. Significant improvements have also been shown in the Oswestry Score (functional ability), physical performance and mental well-being.
Conclusion: On the basis of these results, the new augmentation can be described as being effective in the treatment of painful vertebral fractures.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.