ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Recent reports only concern vertebroplasty for mild to moderate vertebral compression fractures, but seldom address vertebroplasty for severe vertebral compression fractures such as vertebral colapse. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy and imaging features of percutaneous vertebroplasty for severe vertebral compression fractures. METHODS:A total of 25 patients underwent single-level vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fractures. Imaging features were then analyzed including location, pattern of compression, extent of colapse, pre- and post kyphotic angle and adjacent disc height before and after vertebroplasty. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:60% (16/25) patients involved the thoracolumbar junction. The height of colapsed vertebral body was 14%-30% of original vertebral body. The average height of colapse was 5.17 mm or 22% of original vertebral body. Kyphotic angle before vertebroplasty ranged from 0-33° (averagely 16°) with an average correction of 12° after vertebroplasty. Average disc height before vertebroplasty was 7.3 mm above and 7.7 mm below. Visual analogue scale score was significantly higher preoperatively than that postoperatively, showing significant difference in pain improvement (P< 0.015). These data suggest that percutaneous vertebroplasty is safe and effective in the treatment of single level severe vertebral compression fractures.