ABSTRACT
Objective To discuss the clinical effect of Sky bone expander percutaneous ky-pbeplasty (Sky-PKP) in treatment of old osteoperotic vertebral compression fractures. Methods The study involved 27 patients (27 vertebrae) with old osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures treated by Sky-PKP from March 2005 to June 2007. Normotopia, lateral and dynamia radiographs, CT scanning and MRI were performed preoperatively to verify fluid collection in the vertebral body, vacuum phenomenon and open-close phenomenon. Visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), anterior body height, middle line body height, posterior body height and kyphotic angle changes were measured on a lateral radiograph before and after treatment. Results All patients were followed up for mean 6.2 months, which showed no severe complications. VAS score was decresed from preoperative 7.8 to postop-erative 3.1 and ODI from 65% to 37%. However, The anterior vertebral height and middle line vertebral height were recovered for 4.6 nun and 5.7 mm respectively compared with preoperation. Correction of ky-photic angle was mean 5.6°postoperatively. There was no sitatistical changes in regard to posterior body height before and after operation. Conclusions Sky-PKP is a reasonable procedure for treatment of old osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures under strict control of indications, especially with vacuum phenomenon, open-close phenomenon and fluid collection. While high degree of difficulty in puncturation results in insignificant correction of kyphotic angle and body height.