Inflatable Bone Tamp Treats Vertebral Compression Fractures

A revamped inflatable bone tamp (IBT) assists orthopedic surgeons in the minimally invasive surgical treatment of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).

The Kyphon Xpander II IBT is designed to reduce VCFs via proprietary balloon technology that is both precise and strong enough to move and compact cancellous bone to create a cavity. Pressure and volume readings on the Xpander inflation syringe provide objective feedback on cortical bone movement. An improved, predetermined inflation pattern exerts greater lifting force than that of the original Kyphon Xpander IBT; it also gives physicians the ability to maintain inflation of one IBT while delivering polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement on the contra-lateral side of the vertebrae. The device is available in 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm sizes; a color-coded band on the shaft indicates balloon length.


Among the features of the Kyphon Xpander II IBT are a low preinflation profile that allows for accurate placement inside the vertebral body through a cannula; radiopaque markers that allow for accurate visualization of the balloon during positioning prior to inflation with contrast medium; and an exit marker band on the IBT shaft that indicates when the balloon is at the distal tip of the cannula. An easy prep valve allows for simple and easy balloon preparation. The Kyphon Xpander II IBT is a product of Medtronic (Minneapolis, MN, USA).

"Xpander II is the flagship product in our division's revitalized product platform, which also includes the Kyphon Express Curette, Kyphon ActivOs 10 Bone Cement with Hydroxyapatite, and the Kyphon Cement Delivery System,” said Alex DiNello, vice president and general manager of the Kyphon products division at Medtronic. "These new products join the rest of our product family in providing our customers with performance they can count on in treating vertebral compression fractures.”

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