What gauge needle is typically used for accessing large vertebral bodies in kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty?

In procedures such as kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, accessing the vertebral body effectively is crucial for the proper delivery of bone cement. The gauge of the needle plays a significant role in the size and ease of access to the vertebra.

An 11 gauge needle is commonly used in these procedures because it provides a balance between sufficient diameter for the passage of the cement and minimizing the trauma to the surrounding tissues. The larger lumen of the 11 gauge needle allows for adequate flow of the cement, ensuring that it effectively fills the vertebra and provides the desired stabilization.

Using a needle that is too small may result in difficulties in injecting the cement, while a needle that is excessively large could increase the risk of complications, such as damage to the vertebra or surrounding structures. The 11 gauge size is thus a standard choice for achieving the therapeutic goals of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty while maintaining patient safety.