A system for treating an abnormal vertebral body such as a compression
fracture. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a biocompatible
flow-through implant structure configured with a three-dimensional
interior web that defines flow openings therein for cooperating with a
two-part hardenable bone cement. The flow-through structure is capable of
compacted and extended shapes and in one embodiment provides a gradient
in flow openings for controlling flow parameters of a bone cement
injected under high pressure into the interior thereof. The flow-through
implant structure is configured for transducing cement injection forces
into a selected direction for moving apart cortical endplates of a
vertebra to reduce a fracture. In one embodiment, the flow-through
implant structure is coupled to an Rf source for applying Rf energy to a
two-part bone cement to accelerate curing of the cement to thereby allow
on-demand alterations of cement viscosity. The Rf system allows for
control of bone cement polymerization globally or regionally to prevent
cement extravasion and to direct forces applied to a vertebra to reduce a
fracture.