Three-point puncture combined with controllable balloon percutaneous kyphoplasty for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of three-point puncture combined with controllable balloon percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). Methods From December 2010 to November 2013, 37 OVCF patients with 43 fractured vertebrae were treated with three-point puncture combined with controllable balloon PKP. They were 11 males and 26 females, aged from 56 to 95 years (average 67 years). Clinical efficacy was evaluated and compared by visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and cobb angles in their X-ray films at preoperation, 3 days postoperation and final follow-up visit. Results All the PKP operations were successful. The operation time ranged from 25 to 80 minutes (average, 40 minutes). The cement injected into each vertebra was from 3 to 4. 5 mL (average, 3. 8 mL). The cement was well distributed in the vertebrae without such complications as nerve injury or cement leakage into the spinal canal. Thirty-six patients with 42 fractured vertebrae were followed up for 3 to 35 months (average, 11 months). At 3 days postoperation and final follow-up, the VAS scores were respectively 2. 3 ±0. 3 and 1. 9 ± 0. 2 and the cobb angles were respectively 7.8° ± 0.7° and 8. 7° ± 0. 8°, significantly improved than those at preoperation (6. 9 ± 0. 8 and 18. 5° ± 6. 0°) (P 0. 05). Conclusion Three-point puncture combined with controllable balloon PKP is an efficient treatment for thoracolumbar OVCF. Key words: Osteoporosis; Thoracic vertebrae; Lumbar vertebrae; Fractures, bone; Verte-broplasty