Progress in open surgical treatment of thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to old osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) is the most common complication of spinal osteoporosis, mostly occurring in thoracolumbar segment, which can cause acute and chronic pain at the fracture site and loss of vertebral height, and can lead to progressive kyphosis. For kyphosis caused by old OVCF, open surgery such as anterior or posterior decompression and fusion, internal fixation and osteotomy can improve local sequence and achieve satisfactory kyphotic correction which is difficult to complete in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP), and reconstruct the sagittal balance. Due to the older age of OVCF patients, some of them have poor general conditions. In addition, osteoporosis leads to increased vertebral fragility, which increases the risk of surgery and postoperative internal fixation failure. The anterior approach presents some problems including a complex approach and poor mechanical stability. At present, most studies focus on posterior surgery. Due to the limitation of kyphosis correction by decompression and fixation alone, osteotomy is often required to correct kyphosis. In cases of old OVCF with kyphosis, the screw holding capability decreases due to the decrease of bone mineral density. Additionally, once the screw loosens, the orthopedic effect is inevitably affected. To enhance pedicle screws, most studies have utilized bone cement to increase the axial pullout force of the vertebral body and improve screw stability. The selection from different osteotomy methods is a critical determinant in achieving favorable surgical outcomes for patients.