ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term stabilizing-healing effectiveness and influence on adjacent intact vertebral bodies of a new injectable partly resorbable calcium sulfate (60 wt.%)/hydroxyapatite (40 wt.%) bone substitute employed in vertebral augmentation of osteoporotic collapses. METHODS: From April 2009 to April 2011, 80 patients underwent vertebral augmentation. Patients enrolling criteria were age >20 years and symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral collapse from low-energy trauma encompassed between levels T5 to L5. Preoperative and postoperative imaging studies consisted of computed tomography, plain X-ray, dual X-ray absorptiometry scanning, and magnetic resonance. Pain intensity has been evaluated by an 11-point visual analog scale (VAS) and physical and quality of life compromise assessments have been evaluated by Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODI). All procedures have been performed fluoroscopically guided by left unilateral approach under local anesthesia and mild sedation. RESULTS: VAS-based pain trend over the 12-month follow-up has shown a statistically significant (p < 0.001) decrease, starting from 7.68 (SD 1.83) preoperatively with an immediate first day decrease at 3.51 (SD 2.16) and 0.96 (SD 0.93) at 12 months. ODI score dropped significantly from 54.78% to 20.12% at 6 months. No device-related complication has been reported. In no case a new incidental adjacent fracture has been reported. CONCLUSION: Data show how this injectable partly resorbable ceramic cement could be a nontoxic and lower stiffness alternative to polymethylmethacrylate for immediate and long-term stabilization of osteoporotic collapsed vertebral bodies.
Subject(s)
Bone Cements/therapeutic use , Bone Substitutes/administration & dosage , Fractures, Compression/therapy , Osteoporotic Fractures/therapy , Spinal Fractures/therapy , Vertebroplasty/methods , Absorbable Implants , Ceramics/therapeutic use , Fracture Healing , Fractures, Compression/diagnosis , Humans , Injections , Male , Osteoporotic Fractures/diagnosis , Prospective Studies , Spinal Fractures/diagnosis , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), usually caused by osteoporosis, is a disabling pathology associated with back pain, low quality of life and high costs. We report a retrospective study of 852 patients who underwent Percutaneous Vertebroplasty (PVP) in our department, for treatment of refractory back pain caused by osteoporotic vertebral fractures. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and the helpfulness of the PVP in vertebral osteoporotic fractures treatment and, particularly on durable pain reduction, mobility improvement and analgesic drugs need. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Follow-up analysis was made through a questionnaire filled by the patients before and after PVP (1-6 months), designed to measure pain, ambulation capacity, ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) and analgesic drugs administration. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference between visual analogue scale (VAS) values before and after treatment has been observed. No difference between VAS values were observed at 1 and 6 months post-treatment period. The treated vertebrae number did not influence post-treatment VAS values during all the follow-up. Ambulation capacity and the ability to perform ADL have been improved following PVP. Patients also reported significant reduction in administration of medications after PVP. CONCLUSIONS: PVP is a safe and useful procedure in painful osteoporotic VCFs treatment, able to reduce pain, improve patients mobility and decrease analgesic drugs need.
