Invited editorial presents an accurate summary of the results of two randomised placebo-controlled trials of vertebroplasty.

Abstract

Our recent editorial in the Journal presents an accurate summary of our two randomised trials of vertebroplasty, which found no benefit of vertebroplasty over placebo. Participants in both trials are representative of patients seen in clinical practice and who would qualify for government-subsidised funding of vertebroplasty in Australia. Clinical experience and previous published literature are likely to have overestimated the treatment benefit of vertebroplasty for many reasons. This is why randomised placebo-controlled trials are required to determine the efficacy of treatment interventions, particularly when the condition being treated is self-limiting and the primary end point is improvement of symptoms. Based on the best evidence currently available, the routine use of vertebroplasty outside of the research setting for painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures appears unjustified.