Percutaneous vertebroplasty in symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: review of 50 patients

Purpose. Evaluation of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures after failure of conservative management. Materials and methods. Retrospective study of cases performed between 2002 and 2005 in a single institution. Outcome was measured using Huskisson's visual analogue scale. Results. A total of 77 vertebrae in 50 patients were treated. Mean follow-up was 12.9 months (1-36 months). Significant symptomatic improvement (p < 0.001) was noted with pre PVP pain score of 7.4 (+/-0.99), 24 hour and 1 month post PVP score of 2.31 (+/-2.65),6 month post PVP score of 2.4 (+/-2.7) and 18 month post PVP score of 2.91 (+/-2.91). Seven patients presented with a new symptomatic vertebral compression fracture, with 5 cases adjacent to the treated level. Conclusion. Percutaneous vertebroplasty is reliable and effective in the treatment of symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.