| abstract |
A system for compressing cancellous bone is described. The system comprises a cannula for establishing a percutaneous path into a bone having a cortical wall which encloses the cancellous bone and a cavity forming structure that is capable of being inserted through the cannula into the bone. The cavity forming structure includes an expandable body that is capable of being expanded in the cancellous bone to compact cancellous bone and form a cavity. The expandable body includes a coating that comprises a lubricating material that reduces friction between the expandable body and the cannula during insertion of the cavity forming structure through the cannula. The system also comprises a tool for placing a volume of bone filling material into the cavity. |