Therapeutic analysis of vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic spinal compression fractures of the aged

Objective To study the effect and complications of percutaneous vertebroplasty in treating osteoporotic spinal compression fractures.Methods A group of 12 patients underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP).Visual analogue score(VAS)and mobility were evaluated 3 days before and after the operation.Relief of back pain,recovery of living ability and complications were observed in the follow-up of 12 months.Results All patients were operated on successfully and their back pain relieved immediately after operation.Score of pain was distinctly decreased from 6.3±0.3 pre-operation to 2.1±0.4 3 days after operation with a significant difference(P0.05).Score of patients' mobility was distinctly increased from 1.3±0.6 preoperation to 3.1±0.6 3 days after operation with a significant difference(P0.05).During average 12 months follow-up,one patient died because of heart disease after six months.All patients got satisfactory clinical effect.Conclusion Under strict selection and elaborate operation,PVP is an ideal method in treating osteoporotic spinal compression fractures.