Three cases of kyphoplasty performed in the lateral position due to significant comorbidities

Abstract

More than 700,000 people suffer from vertebral compression fractures attributed to osteoporosis, metastatic disease, or trauma each year in the United States, and undergo kyphoplasty. They are typical. These often undergo kyphoplasty to treat resultant pain or new neurological deficits. Here, we present three patients who, due to significant comorbidities, underwent kyphoplasty performed in the lateral decubitus rather than the prone position. Three females, two with metastatic cancer and one with osteoporosis, presented with lumbar compression fractures and new accompanying pain and/or neurological deficits. Due to significant accompanying comorbidities, kyphoplasty was safely and effectively performed in all three patients utilizing the lateral decubitus rather than the prone position. Although vertebral kyphoplasties are typically performed in the prone position, here, we present three patients who, due to significant comorbidities, safely and effectively underwent kyphoplasties performed in the lateral decubitus position.