Vertebral Augmentation With Kyphoplasty vs Nonsurgical Mgmt for Vertebral Body Compression Fractures

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with multiple myeloma (active or smoldering) with mild back pain (Visual Analog Scale \[VAS\]) ≤ 4 or no back pain (VAS=0) on a stable analgesic regimen) related to vertebral compression fractures (at least one and up to 8 index fractures from T3 to L5) as seen on magnetic resonancy imaging (MRI), computed axial tomography (CT) scan or plain radiographs. * No major planned spine surgery for at least 6 months following enrollment. * No evidence of epidural disease or cord compromise on magnetic resonance imaging. * Life expectancy greater than 6 months. * Adequate myeloma systemic control (no evidence of active progressive disease). No planned change in chemotherapy regimen for 1 month prior and for at least 1 month following enrollment. Change in dose(s) permitted. * Adequate hematologic parameters (platelet count≥50,000/μL, and absolute neutrophil count ≥1,000). Platelet transfusions are permitted to increase platelet counts perioperatively. * Age greater than 21 years and able to understand and sign the informed consent document. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with significant comorbidities (aside from the index fracture or cancer) which would result in an unacceptable surgical risk or patients with contraindications to general or local anesthesia. * Patients with other primary tumors including primary bone tumors or solitary plasmacytoma at site of the index VCF. * VCF morphology deemed unsuitable for balloon kyphoplasty (vertebra planum).…