Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty - Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The surgical treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body fractures is associated with many complications. Vertebroplasty (VP) and kyphoplasty (KP) are minimally invasive procedures allowing us to strengthen the vertebral body and thus stabilize it. The aim of this non-randomized study is to evaluate a group of patients treated by VP and KIP procedures and to discuss related risks. MATERIAL Between September 2005 and October 2007, a total of 32 patients (37 vertebrae) were treated by the VP and KIP techniques. Vertebroplasty was used in 21 and kyphoplasty in 11 patients. In this initial group, four patients were excluded from evaluation because of a tumour aetiology of the fracture. The remaining 28 patients who had an osteoporotic vertebral body fracture verified by CT scan findings were followed up and evaluated. METHODS The evaluation was based on modified Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores recorded at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. Cement leakage detected by X-ray was assessed by means of the classification used by Yeom et al. and, at the same time, the occurrence of adjacent vertebral fracture, if any, was detected by 1 year after surgery. RESULTS Radiographic cement leakage was found in eight patients (21.6%), with clinical manifestation in two (5.4%). One had an incomplete motor lesion due to cement leakage into the spinal column, and the other had pulmonary embolism due to cement leakage into the mediastinum. The whole group showed marked improvement in clinical condition, as assessed by the ODI. When expressed as per cent, the average ODI was 57% pre- and 15.7 % post-operatively. All patients reported pain relief in the affected spine. The average VAS score of 8.1 pre-operatively decreased to an average of 2.6 post-operatively. There were no radiographic findings of adjacent vertebral body fracture. DISCUSSION Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are currently used to treat osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Their advantages include an immediate stabilization of the vertebra by cement solidification, possibility of percutaneous application under local anaesthesia, and early patient mobilization without any external fixation. However, when evaluating these techniques, safety of the surgical procedure should be taken into consideration. The most frequent risk is cement leakage. CONCLUSIONS Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty can, under strict adherence to the operative protocol, be an effective approach to the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body fracture. It permits early mobilization of the patient without the necessity of external fixation.