Kyphoplasty through unilateral extrapedicular approach in the treatment of 38 patients with thoracic vertebral compression fracture / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of single-balloon kyphoplasty in the treatment of thoracic osteoporotic compression fractures via extrapedicular approach METHODS: From July 2004 to May 2008, 38 cases (52 vertebra) of thoracic osteoporotic fractures were treated by balloon kyphoplasty via unilateral extrapedicular approach, including 12 males and 26 females with an average age of 60.3 years (range 55-72 years). There were 34 cases of primary osteoporosis, and 4 had administrated hormone due to other diseases for over 6 months. Symptomatic levels ranged from T_4 to T_(12) confirmed by physical examination, MRI and X-ray. The pain relief, restoration of vertebral height and kyphosis correction were compared before and after operation by using visual analogue scale (VAS) and radiograph, respectively. In addition, bone cement leakage location and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Operation were successfully performed in 38 cases with an average injection of bone cement volume of (3.2+ 1.4) mL (2.25-4.60 mL in unilateral infusion). The mean time of surgery was 25-55 minutes, and that of follow-up was 9.5 months (6-24 months). Back pain of 36 cases was improved, and the VAS 3 days postoperatively and the final follow-up was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The vertebral anterior margin and median height following surgery were significantly improved detected by X-ray (P < 0.05), and average median height restoration was (50.90+34.60)%, but no significant change was found in posterior height (P > 0.05). No lateral wedging or changes in the coronal alignment was found. Three cases (5 vertebra) had cement leakage the bone cement of 1 case leaked to posterior margin through the puncture channel, and 2 cases leaked to lateral vertebra through vertebral venous system without any adverse event. The patients could move the second day after surgery, discharged from the hospital at days 3-4, and restored to normal life at 1 month postoperatively. No blood vessel or spinal cord puncture injury or pulmonary embolism, or blood vessel embolism was found. CONCLUSION: Unilateral extrapedicular kyphoplasty is safe and effective in treating thoracic osteoporotic fractures. It rapidly releases backache, restores the body height of fractured thoracic vertebrae and improves quality of life of the patients.