Flexible memory-alloy instrumentation for unilateral traspedicular kyphoplasty and guided cement augmentation of the Thoracic spine.

The purpose of this novel study was to investigate the feasibility of unilateral transpedicular balloon kyphoplasty particularly of the upper thoracic vertebrae using an 11- gauge balloon and cement inserter, and to study the morphological parameters of the thoracic spine pedicles. We usedour fresh frozen cadaveric thoracic spines with intact rib cages and skin for kyphoplasty from T1 to T12 vertebrae under C-arm fluoroscopy.The most limiting width 2.46+/-0.32mm was in the middle levels (T5-T8).  The absolute minimum height was at T1 (3.80-3.87mm). All regions of the vertebral body were effectively targeted for cement augmentation.Using the kyphoplasty technique in combination with t he pre-bent 11mm memory-alloy cement inserter allowed targeting of the desire d position of the vertebral body for effective vertebral body cement augmentation .