ABSTRACT
0.05). Within 8.9 months of mean follow-up, 3 new fractures occurred in 3 patients in group 1, 2 new fractures occurred in 2 patients in group 2, showing no significant difference. The average increase in vertebral body height on the X-ray plains at 1 week after PVP was 2.2 mm anteriorly, 2.3 mm centrally and unchanged posteriorly. Comparing with the plain film at 1 week after PVP, the heights of vertebrae showed no significant difference at 3 and 6 months of follow-up respectively the heights of vertebrae were unchanged at 1 week after conservative therapy. Average reduction in vertebral body height was 1.9 mm anteriorly, 2.1 mm centrally, unchanged posteriorly at 3 months, but no more collapse at 6 months after conventional treatment. The vertebral body height was significantly higher in the group 1 than in group 2 at 3 months after treatment. Conclusions PVP is aneffective and safe procedure for treating persistent painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and shortening the course of disease. Pain relief showed no difference at 6 months follow up with conventional treatment\ a outcoming with increase of vertebral body height and preventing further collapse of the vertebra. New fractures following vertebroplasty may actually represent presence of osteoporosis rather than a complication of the procedure.