RÉSUMÉ
Objective To evaluate the possibility and safety of balloon kyphoplasty for the aged osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fractures. Methods From October 2007 to December 2012, 78 patients with aged osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fractures were treated by balloon kyphoplasty. The inflatable balloon was inserted through pedicle of vertebal arch to make fracture reduction, then the centrum was stuffed with bone cement. The whole procedure was pinpointed and detected by C-arm x-ray machine. Results All operations were completed successfully. The lumbar and back pain of the patients relieved obviously. The quality of patients' life was significantly improved. Imaging examinations revealed that the vertebrae altitude was recovered and the kyphosis was corrected obviously. Conclusion Balloon kyphoplasty is effective to treat the aged osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fractures. But the operation had certain risk, we must do a good job in preoperative preparation, strictly handle surgical indication and accurately operate.