Abstract
Introduction
Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are a significant cause of disability because of the pain in the elderly population. Kyphoplasty has been advocated as a treatment alternative for the successful management of these fractures in terms of immediate pain relief, and also for restoration of the premorbid level of daily activities. In this retrospective study, the authors report their experience in the period of 8 years (2007–2014) with the early and late management of VCFs with kyphoplasty using a unilateral pedicular approach.
Patients and Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted in 80 patients (59 women and 21 men) whose ages ranged from 55 to 92 years (mean age, 73 years). The interval between onset of symptoms and surgical intervention ranged from 3 to 12 weeks. Overall, 90 levels (67 thoracic and 23 lumbar) were treated using the unilateral pedicular approach in this cohort. Immediate and early postoperative (3-month follow-up visit) visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, activity levels, and restoration of vertebral body (VB) height were assessed.
Results
The mean preoperative VAS score was 8.4, whereas the immediate and early postoperative scores were 1.7. These findings reflected a resolution of 85 to 100% of preoperative pain. All patients resumed routine activities within hours of the procedure, although improvement in VB height was not accomplished in this cohort. No major complications were encountered in this clinical series.
Conclusion
Kyphoplasty using a unilateral pedicular approach in this cohort proved to be an effective method for the treatment of osteoporotic VCFs, although failure to restore VB height does not seem to interfere with the excellent pain management and good functional outcome provided by this procedure.