Kyphoplasty with single balloon multiple expansions for multi-level osteoporotic vertebral compressive fractures

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of kyphoplasty with single balloon multiple expansions for multi-level osteoporotic vertebral compressive fractures(OVCF). Methods Thirty three cases of painful multi-level OVCF, involving 76 vertebrae were carried out the single inflatable balloon insertion multi-level fractured vertebral body and multiple expansions in one operation, alternatively under X-ray fluoroscopic monitoring; and in turn with vertebral height restored and bone cement filled. The postoperative symptoms and the radiographic findings of vertebral height were observed with follow up. Results Operation was successful in all 33 cases with dramatic pain relief within 1 week after the procedure without clinical complications. VAS scoring of these patients decreased from(6.46 ± 1.40)to(1.65 ± 0.42); ODI scoring decreased from 71.38% to 22.92%. One balloon was expanded 3.3 times in average(2 - 6 times)for one operation, with the average expansion pressure as 171.2 psi(120 - 300 psi), and only one balloon ruptured during the 6th expansion. The loss heights of the anterior and mid portion of the vertebral body reduced from(14.43 ± 4.18) mm and(10.49 ± 3.70) mm preoperatively to(9.79 ± 3.64) mm and(5.52 ± 2.83) mm postoperatively. Cobb angle corrected averagely from(23.33 ± 6.33)°preoperatively to(12.51 ± 4.32)°postoperatively. No clinical complication occurred in all patients, leakage of a small quantity of bone cement occurred at anterior vertebral bodies in two cases but with no clinical symptoms. Conclusion Kyphoplasty with single balloon multiple expansions for multi-level OVCF is clinically effective and with low cost for the patients.