Percutaneous kyphoplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP) in the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures.Methods Thirty patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures were treated by PKP from January 2010 to February 2011.The height loss rate of anterior vertebral wall,Cobb's angle and visual analogue scale(VAS) were measured in each case before and after PKP.The height loss rate of anterior vertebral wall,Cobb's Angle and VAS were compared and analyzed statistically between pre-operation and post-operation.Results All cases were followed up for the average of 6 months(2～10 months).There was less cement leakage at the lateral vertebral edge without clinical symptom in 2 cases.No other complication occurred.The height loss rate of anterior vertebral wall,Cobb's Angle and VAS were(30.74±10.65)% and(15.46±7.12)%;(23.74±3.65)° and(14.57±4.18)°,(7.1±1.2) and(1.4±0.5),pre-operation and post-operation respectively,with significant differences(all the P0.05).Conclusion PKP can effectively restore the height of compressed vertebrae with osteoporosis,markedly relieve pain resulting from osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures,with less complication.