Comparison of the Result of Vertebroplasty and Conservative Treatment in Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of vertebroplasty and conservative treatment in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were divided randomly into 2 groups; Group I (conservative treatment) and Group II (vertebroplasty). There are 14 cases in group I and 16 cases in group II. Radiologically, the progression of compression was observed. Clinical evaluation was done using Denis pain scale. In both groups, prolonged pain with nonunion or avascular necrosis that resulted in surgical intervention was evaluated as complication. In group II, the complication associated the procedures were evaluated. RESULTS: Group II was superior to conservative treatment in terms of maintaining vertebral height radiologically. The characteristics of symptom improvement were the same in two groups. There were cement leakage among group II but they did not influence to the results. In group I, 2 subjects needed surgery due to prolonged pain. In group II, 1 subject needed surgery due to prolonged pain and there were 3 cement leakage cases which were insignificant. CONCLUSION: In vertebroplasty group, complications associated the procedures were noted. In conservative treatment group, more patients needed operation. Therefore, we should be very prudent when we choose the treatment of the osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.