During kyphoplasty, what is the maximum pressure used during balloon inflation?

In kyphoplasty, the procedure involves using a balloon to create space within a vertebral body that has been fractured or deformed, often due to conditions like osteoporosis. The maximum pressure during balloon inflation is a critical parameter because it influences the outcome of the procedure and the prevention of complications such as leakage of bone cement into adjacent structures.

The maximum pressure used during the inflation of the balloon in kyphoplasty is generally accepted to be around 20 atm. This level of pressure allows for effective expansion of the vertebral body and aids in restoring height while minimizing the risk of complications associated with higher pressures. If the pressure exceeds this threshold, there can be an increased chance of vertebral cement leakage into the spinal canal or adjacent tissues, which could lead to serious complications.

Understanding the correct pressure limits is essential for interventional radiologists and other medical professionals performing this procedure, as it ensures both the efficacy of the treatment and patient safety.