Objective To summarize the research progress of secondary fracture of adjacent vertebral body after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). Methods Recent literature concerning PVP and PKP was extensively reviewed and summarized. Results The main reasons of secondary fracture of adjacent vertebral body after PVP and PKP are the natural process of osteoporosis, the initial fracture type, the bone cement, the surgical approach, the bone mineral density, and other factors. Conclusion Secondary fracture of adjacent vertebral body after PVP and PKP is a challenge for the clinician, a variety of factors need to be suficiently considered and be confirmed by a lot of basic and clinical epidemiological studies.