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. 2012 Jun;21 Suppl 4(Suppl 4):S445-9.
doi: 10.1007/s00586-011-2053-6. Epub 2011 Nov 2.

Treatment of an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with the StaXx FX system resulting in intrathoracic wafers: a serious complication

L W van der Plaat  1 , G H Bulstra, G H R Albers, J P Eerenberg, H M van der Vis
Affiliations

Treatment of an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with the StaXx FX system resulting in intrathoracic wafers: a serious complication

L W van der Plaat et al. Eur Spine J. 2012 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a serious complication of the StaXx FX system used to stabilize an osteoporotic vertebral fracture.

Case report: A 76-year-old woman presented with a painful vertebral fracture. Treatment by means of a PEEK wafer kyphoplasty was complicated by malposition of the wafers. The patient recovered fully after removal of the wafers by means of a thoracotomy.

Conclusions: New treatment modalities have their own pitfalls and possible complications, as demonstrated in this case report. Caution regarding implementation of new treatment modalities should be practiced.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Thoracic spine X-rays showing the T7 fracture
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Intra-operative fluoroscopy of malpositioned wafers
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
X-ray of the thoracic spine showing progressive malposition of one of the wafers
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
CT-scan transversal view showing the malpositioned wafers with close relation to the right pulmonary artery and right stem bronchus
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Intra-operative photo showing the protruding wafers
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Intra-operative photo showing the resected piece of rib before insertion in the vertebral body
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Postoperative CT-scan of the thoracic spine showing the position of the rib graft within the vertebral body
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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