Assessment of Cement Leakage in Decompressed Percutaneous Kyphoplasty.

Symptomatic osteoporotic compression fractures are commonly addressed through vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. However, cement leakage poses a significant risk of neurological damage. We introduced "aspiration percutaneous kyphoplasty", also known as "decompressed kyphoplasty", as a method to mitigate cement leakage and conducted a comparative analysis with high viscosity cement vertebroplasty. We conducted a retrospective study that included 136 patients with single-level osteoporotic compression fractures. Among them, 70 patients underwent high viscosity cement vertebroplasty, while 66 patients received decompressed percutaneous kyphoplasty with low-viscosity cement. Comparison parameters included cement leakage rates, kyphotic angle alterations, and the occurrence of adjacent segment fractures. The overall cement leakage rate favored the decompressed kyphoplasty group (9.1% vs. 18.6%), although statistical significance was not achieved (p = 0.111). Nonetheless, the risk of intradiscal leakage significantly reduced in the decompressed kyphoplasty cohort (p = 0.011), which was particularly evident in cases lacking the preoperative cleft sign on X-rays. Kyphotic angle changes and the risk of adjacent segment collapse exhibited similar outcomes (p = 0.739 and 0.522, respectively). We concluded that decompressed kyphoplasty demonstrates efficacy in reducing intradiscal cement leakage, particularly benefiting patients without the preoperative cleft sign on X-rays by preventing intradiscal leakage.

Vesselplasty versus vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with posterior wall rupture.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to compare the effectiveness and safety of vesselplasty versus vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures with posterior wall rupture. METHODS: Patients who underwent treatment of a single osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with posterior wall rupture from January 2016 to February 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into a vesselplasty group (n = 17) and a vertebroplasty group (n = 43). Pain relief, radiographic outcomes, and bone cement leakage were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the operation time, postoperative pain relief, vertebral compression recovery, or local Cobb angle improvement between the two groups. However, the overall bone cement leakage rate (29.4% vs. 67.4%) and spinal canal leakage rate (0.0% vs. 30.2%) were significantly lower in the vesselplasty group than vertebroplasty group. CONCLUSIONS: Vesselplasty offers similar pain relief and vertebral compression recovery but lower spinal canal leakage compared with vertebroplasty. Vesselplasty is thus a better option than vertebroplasty for patients with osteoporotic compression fractures with posterior wall rupture.

Utilization and Expenditures of Vertebral Augmentation Continue to Decline: An Analysis in Fee-For-Service (FFS) Recipients from 2009 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) associated with refractory pain, deformity, or progressive neurological symptoms, minimally invasive vertebral augmentation procedures, including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, have been declining in their relative utilization, along with expenditures. OBJECTIVES: This investigation was undertaken to assess utilization and expenditures for vertebral augmentation procedures, including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, in the fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare population from 2009 to 2018. STUDY DESIGN: The present study was designed to assess utilization and expenditures in all settings, for all providers in the FFS Medicare population from 2009 to 2018 in the United States. In this manuscript:• A patient was described as receiving vertebral augmentation over the course of the year.• An episode was considered as one treatment per region per day utilizing primary codes only. • Services or procedures were considered to be procedures including multiple levels.A standard 5% national sample of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) physician outpatient billing claims data for those enrolled in the FFS Medicare program from 2009 to 2018 was utilized. All the expenditures were presented with allowed costs and adjusted for inflation to 2018 US dollars. RESULTS: In 2009, there were 76,860 episodes of vertebral augmentation with a rate of 168 per 100,000 Medicare population, which declined to 58,760, or 99 per 100,000 population for a total decline of 41%, or an annual rate of decline of 5.7% per 100,000 Medicare population. Vertebroplasty interventions declined more dramatically than kyphoplasty from 2009. Total episodes of vertebroplasty were 27,380 with an annual rate of 60 per 100,000 Medicare population, decreasing to 9,240, or 16 per 100,000 Medicare population, a 66% decline in episodes and a 74% decline in overall rate with an annual decline of 11.4% and 13.9%. In contrast, kyphoplasty interventions were 49,480, for a rate per 100,000 population of 108 in 2009 compared to 49,520 in 2018 with a rate of 83, for a decrease of 23% and 2.9% annual decrease. Evaluation of expenditures showed a net decrease of $30,102,809, or 8%, from $378,758,311 in 2009 to $348,655,502 in 2018. However, inflation-adjusted expenditures decreased overall by 21% and 3% annually from $443,147,324 in 2009 to $345,655,502 in 2018. In addition, inflation-adjusted total expenditures per 100,000 Medicare population decreased from $967,549 to $584,992, for an overall decrease of 40%, or an annual decrease of 5%. Per patient expenditures decreased 2% overall with 0% decrease per year. LIMITATIONS: Vertebral augmentation procedures were assessed only in the FFS Medicare service population. This excluded over 30% of the Medicare population, which is enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a significant decline in relative utilization patterns of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures, along with reductions in overall expenditures. The inflation-adjusted total expenditures of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty decreased 21% with an annual decline of 3%. The inflation-adjusted expenditures per 100,000 of Medicare population decreased 40% overall and 5% per year. In addition, vertebroplasty has seen substantial declines in utilization and expenditure patterns compared to kyphoplasty procedures, which showed trends of decline.

Utilization of Vertebral Augmentation Procedures in the USA: a Comparative Analysis in Medicare Fee-for-Service Population Pre- and Post-2009 Trials.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the utilization patterns of vertebral augmentation procedures in the US Medicare population from 2004 to 2017 surrounding concurrent developments in the literature and the enactment of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). RECENT FINDINGS: The analysis of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty utilization patterns was carried out using specialty utilization data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Database. Of note, over the period of time between 2009 and 2017, the number of people aged 65 or older showed a 3.2% rate of annual increase, and the number of Medicare beneficiaries increased by 27.6% with a 3.1% rate of annual increase. Concurrently, vertebroplasty utilization decreased 72.8% (annual decline of 15% per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries), and balloon kyphoplasty utilization decreased 19% (annual decline of 2.6% per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries). This translates to a 38.3% decrease in vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty utilization (annual decline of 5.9% per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries) from 2009 to 2017. By contrast, from 2004 to 2009, there was a total 188% increase in vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty utilization (annual increase rate of 23.6% per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries). The majority of vertebroplasty procedures were done by radiologists, and the majority of kyphoplasties were done by aggregate groups of spine surgeons. These results illustrate a significant decline in vertebral augmentation procedures in the fee-for-service Medicare population between 2004 and 2017, with dramatic decreases following the publication of two 2009 trials that failed to demonstrate benefit of vertebroplasty over sham and the enactment of the ACA.

Current Concepts in the Management of Vertebral Compression Fractures.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This comprehensive review of current concepts in the management of vertebral compression fractures is a manuscript of vertebral augmentation literature of risk factors, clinical presentation, and management. The objective of this review is to compare outcomes between multiple augmentation techniques and ongoing discussions of effectiveness of vertebral augmentation procedures. RECENT FINDINGS: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are a prevalent disease affecting approximately 1.5 million US adults annually. VCFs can cause severe physical limitations, including back pain, functional disability, and progressive kyphosis of the thoracic spine that ultimately results in decreased appetite, poor nutrition, impaired pulmonary function, and spinal cord compression with motor and sensory deficits. The deconditioning that affects patients with vertebral compression fractures leads to mortality at a far higher rate than age-matched controls. The management of vertebral compression fractures has been extensively discussed with opponents arguing in favor or restricting conservative management and against augmentation, while proponents argue in favor of augmentation. The literature is well established in reference to the effects on mortality when patients undergo treatment with vertebral augmentation; in over a million patients with vertebral compression fractures treated with vertebral augmentation as compared with patients treated with non-surgical management, the patients receiving augmentation performed well with a decrease in morbidity and mortality. Summary of the literature review shows that understanding the risk factors, appropriate clinical evaluation, and management strategies are crucial. Analysis of the evidence shows, based on level I and II studies, balloon kyphoplasty had significantly better and vertebroplasty tended to have better pain reduction compared with non-surgical management. In addition, balloon kyphoplasty tended to have better height restoration than vertebroplasty.

Zolidronic acid combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures: A meta-analysis of bone density improvement, recurrent vertebral fractures prevention, and long-term efficacy evaluation / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: The clinical application of zoledronic acid in the treatment of osteoporosis lacks systematic scientific evaluation and evidence-based basis. Therefore, the clinical efficacy of zoledronic acid combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture is still uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the efficacy of zoledronic acid combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. METHODS: A computer search of all randomized controlled studies and clinical trials of zolidronic acid combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture published in CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, PubMed and Cochrane prior to September 2019 was performed. The experimental group was treated with zoledronic acid and percutaneous kyphoplasty, while the control group was treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty. Literature screening and data extraction were conducted by the two researchers independently. The quality of the included randomized controlled trials was evaluated one by one according to the Cochrane collaboration standards. Meta-analysis was performed on RevMan 5.3 for those that met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Five randomized controlled trials were included, including 175 in the experimental group and 184 in the control group. (2) Meta-analysis results showed that the bone mineral density was higher in the experimental group than in the control group [MD=0.12, 95%CI(0.08, 0.17), P < 0.000 01]. The visual analogue scale score was lower in the experimental group than that of the control group 6 and 12 months after treatment [MD=0.46, 95%CI(0.18, 0.75), P=0.002; MD=0.85, 95%CI(0.20, 1.50), P=0.01]. At 1 year after treatment, Oswestry disability index was lower in the experimental group than in the control group [MD=6.59, 95%CI(4.77，8.41), P < 0.000 01]. Bone cement leakage rate and recurrence rate of vertebral fractures were lower in the experimental group than in the control group [OR=0.22, 95%CI(0.08, 0.59), P=0.003; OR=0.18, 95%CI(0.07, 0.50), P=0.000 8]. Vertebral height recovery and kyphotic Cobb angle were not significantly different between the two groups [MD=0.65, 95%CI(-0.27, 1.56), P=0.16; MD=-0.60, 95%CI(-2.45, 1.25), P=0.53]. (3) Results showed that compared with percutaneous kyphoplasty alone, zoledronic acid combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty has significant advantages in improving bone mineral density, reducing the recurrence rate of vertebral fracture, improving the long-term clinical symptoms of patients, preventing the bone cement leakage, but a large number of high-quality multi-center randomized controlled studies are still needed to provide more sufficient evidence in the later stage.

The Efficacy of Fentanyl Transdermal Patch as the First-Line Medicine for the Conservative Treatment of Osteoporotic Compression Fracture.

OBJECTIVE: There are no strong guidelines on how long or how we should undertake conservative treatment during the acute period of an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (VCF). METHODS: We treated 202 patients with conservative treatment on VCF from March 2012 to August 2015. On inclusion criteria, 75 patients (22 males and 53 females) were included in the final analysis. After admission, a transdermal fentanyl patch with low dose (12.5 µg) application was attempted in all patients. In an unresponsive patient, the fentanyl patch was increased by 25 µg. After identifying the tolerable toilet ambulation of the patient without any assistance, hospital discharge was recommended. We classified two patient groups into one favorable group and one unfavorable group and compared several clinical and radiological factors. RESULTS: Among 75 patients, the clinical outcome of 57 patients (76%) was favorable, but that of 18 patients (24%) was unfavorable. In clinical outcomes, the numeric rating scale at 6 and 12 months and Odom's criteria at 12 months was significantly different between the favorable and the unfavorable groups. The dose of the patches used showed statistically significant differences between the two groups (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The only statistically significant affecting factor for an unfavorable outcome was the use of a higher dose fentanyl patch. Our data inferred that the unresponsiveness to a low-dose fentanyl patch could be helpful to select patients necessary for percutaneous vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty.

Differentiation of Acute Osteoporotic and Malignant Vertebral Fractures by Quantification of Fat Fraction With a Dixon MRI Sequence.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to differentiate malignant compression fractures from acute osteoporotic compression fractures of the spine by use of a Dixon MRI sequence to quantify fat fraction (FF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four vertebral compression fractures were assessed with turbo spin-echo T1-weighted and six-echo Dixon sequences for FF quantification at 3-T MRI. The fractures were divided into malignant compression fractures (n = 24) and acute osteoporotic compression fractures (n = 20). Two radiologists independently measured quantitative parameters from ROIs in the fractures, including the T1 signal intensity of the fracture, the FF of the fracture, and the FF ratio (fracture FF divided by normal marrow FF). The mean values of the parameters were compared between the two groups, interobserver reliability between two radiologists was assessed, ROC curves were analyzed, and logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The fracture FF and FF ratio of malignant compression fractures were significantly lower than those of acute osteoporotic compression fractures (fracture FF, 2.73% vs 14.36% [p < 0.001]; FF ratio, 0.05 vs 0.22 [p < 0.001]). There was no difference in T1 signal intensity of the fracture. The ROC AUC of fracture FF was 0.98 and of FF ratio was 0.95. In logistic regression analysis, fracture FF remained a significant variable that could be used to independently differentiate malignant from acute osteoporotic compression fractures (odds ratio, 0.33; p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: FF and FF ratio obtained from FF maps obtained with a six-echo Dixon MRI sequence may be useful for differentiating acute osteoporotic compression fractures from malignant compression fractures.

The Efficacy of Fentanyl Transdermal Patch as the First-Line Medicine for the Conservative Treatment of Osteoporotic Compression Fracture / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: There are no strong guidelines on how long or how we should undertake conservative treatment during the acute period of an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (VCF). METHODS: We treated 202 patients with conservative treatment on VCF from March 2012 to August 2015. On inclusion criteria, 75 patients (22 males and 53 females) were included in the final analysis. After admission, a transdermal fentanyl patch with low dose (12.5 µg) application was attempted in all patients. In an unresponsive patient, the fentanyl patch was increased by 25 µg. After identifying the tolerable toilet ambulation of the patient without any assistance, hospital discharge was recommended. We classified two patient groups into one favorable group and one unfavorable group and compared several clinical and radiological factors. RESULTS: Among 75 patients, the clinical outcome of 57 patients (76%) was favorable, but that of 18 patients (24%) was unfavorable. In clinical outcomes, the numeric rating scale at 6 and 12 months and Odom's criteria at 12 months was significantly different between the favorable and the unfavorable groups. The dose of the patches used showed statistically significant differences between the two groups (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The only statistically significant affecting factor for an unfavorable outcome was the use of a higher dose fentanyl patch. Our data inferred that the unresponsiveness to a low-dose fentanyl patch could be helpful to select patients necessary for percutaneous vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty.

The Fate of Injected Cement on Percutaneous Vertebroplasty / 대한골다공증학회지

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP) is effective surgical method for treating osteoporotic compression fracture. But there is a few data for long term follow-up radiologic result, especially injected bone cement features. We assessed the radiographic features of patients who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty in osteoporotic compression fractures with a minimum of 7 years follow-up retrospectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2000 and August 2007, 253 patients were treated with PVP for osteoporotic compression fracture at our department; 81 patients died during follow-up and 101 patients (177 vertebrae) were available for follow-up for over 7 years. We analyzed the radiologic outcome focused on injected bone cement feature. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 7.9 years. A new adjacent vertebral fracture was documented by 55 vertebral bodies in 35 patients. Anterior body height in the last follow-up was improved about 0.3 mm compared with the preprocedural value, but was not statistically significant. Also, the focal kyphotic angle was reduced from 12.3° at the preprocedural state to 11.7° at the postprocedural state but was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Out of the 101 cases, the 89 cases for whom the cement was injected into the vertebral body were kept in a stable condition. Seven cases of radiolucent line with decreased bone density in the adjacent area of cement and 5 cases of cement cracks accompanied with vertebral collapse were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The bone cement injected vertebrae showed stable radiologic progression without significant changes in vertebral height or kyphotic angle.

Influence of Compression Ratio Differences between Magnetic Resonance Images and Simple Radiographs on Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture Prognosis after Vertebroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The extent of collapse progression after vertebroplasty in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) has known to be various. In this study, we investigated that how much difference of compression ratio between standing simple radiograph and supine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) affects the collapse progression after vertebroplasty. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was carried out based on 27 patients with 31 OVCFs undergone vertebrplastyin the thoracolumbar junction (T12-L2), from January to December 2009. The OVCFs were divided to two groups, the smaller group A and larger group B, by mean compression ratio difference (8.1%) between standing simple radiograph and supine MRI. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the two groups except age. There were also no significant differences between the periodic compression ratio, back pain, Cobb's angle during follow-up period. However, Group B seemed to show improvements from the initial state to the point just after the operation, but eventually took a much worse course than group A. In the end, judging from the compression ratios of the two groups at the last follow up, group A showed less progression. CONCLUSION: Although the clinical outcome was not different significantly, a greater compression ratio difference in the initial study resulted in a greater collapse progression at last follow-up. Therefore, we suggest that it is important to check the initial standing simple radiograph, as well as supine MRI, for predicting collapse progression after vertebroplasty.

Prevention and treatment of multiple osteoporotic compression fracture.

Korea's demographic profile is undergoing tremendous change as the country rapidly ages at one of the fastest rates in the world. Indeed, the country is expected to become an "aged society" in 2018 when the proportion of elderly is estimated to reach 14.3% of the total population. With the notable increase in the number of elderly individuals, the incidence of osteoporotic fractures will also likely increase. Osteoporosis is a systemic musculoskeletal disease that is characterized by the decreased bone quantity and the abnormalities of the microstructures. There are both conservative and surgical treatment modalities for the fracture: conservative treatments include pharmacological treatments and orthosis; surgical treatments include vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and reconstructive surgery. Clinicians should consider the severity of osteoporosis, the concurrent osteoporotic fracture, the age and sex of the patient, and the underlying diseases in making a patient-tailored prescription.

Comparison of radiological and clinical results of balloon kyphoplasty according to anterior height loss in the osteoporotic vertebral fracture.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Percutaneous kyphoplasty is effective for pain reduction and vertebral height restoration in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures. However, in cases of severely collapsed fractures involving the loss of more than 70% of the vertebral height, kyphoplasty is technically difficult to perform and the outcomes remain unknown. PURPOSE: To compare the vertebral height restoration rate, kyphotic angle, and clinical results of patients who underwent kyphoplasty according to the degree of anterior vertebral height loss. In addition, to determine the feasibility and effects of kyphoplasty on severely collapsed osteoporotic vertebral fractures. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A retrospective study. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 129 patients (145 vertebrae) who underwent kyphoplasty for osteoporotic painful vertebral fracture and followed up for more than 1 year between September 2005 and August 2012 were recruited for the analysis. OUTCOME MEASURES: The patients' kyphotic angle, anterior vertebral height, and anterior vertebral height restoration ratio 1 year after surgery were compared. Pre- and postoperative pain around the fractured vertebra and the radiological and clinical results according to bone mineral density (BMD) were also compared. METHODS: Patients were divided into three groups for comparison, according to radiographic findings. Patients with an anterior height compression ratio more than 70% at the time of fracture comprised Group I, patients with a compression ratio of 50-70% comprised Group II, and those with a compression ratio of 30-50% comprised Group III. RESULTS: Group I showed a greater extent of anterior height restoration immediately after surgery compared with the other groups, which noticeably decreased over time. All three groups showed significant restoration of the anterior vertebral height between pre- and postoperative values. The anterior vertebral height 1 year after surgery did not differ between Group I and Group II but was significantly higher in Group III. There was no correlation between the BMD and restoration or decrease of anterior vertebral height over time. Pain around the fractured vertebra significantly decreased in all groups immediately and 1 year after surgery compared with preoperative levels, although the pain level 1 year after surgery did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with an anterior vertebral compression ratio more than 70% because of osteoporotic vertebral fracture, although the anterior height and kyphotic angle were significantly lower than those of patients with an anterior vertebral compression ratio of 30% to 50%, kyphoplasty significantly improved the degree of pain, restored the anterior vertebral height, and maintained the kyphotic angle. Therefore, kyphoplasty can be a useful approach in patients with an anterior vertebral compression ratio more than 70%.

Prevention and Treatment of Multiple Osteoporotic Compression Fracture

Korea's demographic profile is undergoing tremendous change as the country rapidly ages at one of the fastest rates in the world. Indeed, the country is expected to become an "aged society" in 2018 when the proportion of elderly is estimated to reach 14.3% of the total population. With the notable increase in the number of elderly individuals, the incidence of osteoporotic fractures will also likely increase. Osteoporosis is a systemic musculoskeletal disease that is characterized by the decreased bone quantity and the abnormalities of the microstructures. There are both conservative and surgical treatment modalities for the fracture: conservative treatments include pharmacological treatments and orthosis; surgical treatments include vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and reconstructive surgery. Clinicians should consider the severity of osteoporosis, the concurrent osteoporotic fracture, the age and sex of the patient, and the underlying diseases in making a patient-tailored prescription.

Influence of Compression Ratio Differences between Magnetic Resonance Images and Simple Radiographs on Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture Prognosis after Vertebroplasty

OBJECTIVE: The extent of collapse progression after vertebroplasty in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) has known to be various. In this study, we investigated that how much difference of compression ratio between standing simple radiograph and supine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) affects the collapse progression after vertebroplasty. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was carried out based on 27 patients with 31 OVCFs undergone vertebrplastyin the thoracolumbar junction (T12-L2), from January to December 2009. The OVCFs were divided to two groups, the smaller group A and larger group B, by mean compression ratio difference (8.1%) between standing simple radiograph and supine MRI. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the two groups except age. There were also no significant differences between the periodic compression ratio, back pain, Cobb's angle during follow-up period. However, Group B seemed to show improvements from the initial state to the point just after the operation, but eventually took a much worse course than group A. In the end, judging from the compression ratios of the two groups at the last follow up, group A showed less progression. CONCLUSION: Although the clinical outcome was not different significantly, a greater compression ratio difference in the initial study resulted in a greater collapse progression at last follow-up. Therefore, we suggest that it is important to check the initial standing simple radiograph, as well as supine MRI, for predicting collapse progression after vertebroplasty.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty in symptomatic hemangioma versus osteoporotic compression fracture.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is more commonly used for osteoporotic compression fractures (OCFs) and osteolytic vertebral body tumors. This study aimed to study the differences between OCFs and vertebral hemangiomas (VHs) treated with PVP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2007 and January 2010, we prospectively treated 28 consecutive patients of OCFs (43 recently symptomatic OCFs) and 24 cases of VHs (26 VHs). We used visual analogue scale (VAS) pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) to evaluate the patients. The followup period in group 1 and 2 were 25.1 months (range 12 - 31 months) and 21.3 months (range 14 - 28 months), respectively. Comparison of means was carried out with the Chi Square Tests, t-test, and N Par-Test for multiple comparisons, whenever appropriate. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Following PVP the VAS score decreased to 4.57 and 4.17 in group 1 and 2, respectively. The ODI scores were 32.5% and 30%, respectively. This decrease in ODI scores lasted throughout the followup period. CONCLUSIONS: Although the preoperative scores were significantly different between group 1 and 2, there was no significant difference between two groups following the PVP.

Risk Factors for Subsequent Fracture after Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous vertebroplasty is an effective treatment that relieves pain caused by vertebral compression fracture. However, vertebroplasty may increase the risk for subsequent vertebral compression fracture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for subsequent fracture after vertebroplasty. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for 112 patients who were diagnosed with a first osteoporotic compression fracture at a single level and underwent vertebroplasty at that level. Possible risk factors for subsequent fracture, such as age, sex, bone mineral density (BMD), location of treated vertebrae, pattern of cement distribution, cement volume, presence of intradiscal cement leakage, and direction of cement leakage, were analyzed. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 18 new subsequent vertebral fractures developed (16.1%). Subsequent fractures were more common in osteoporotic patients (T-score or =3.5 cc were also associated with a significantly higher risk of fracture (p=0.012, r=0.238). CONCLUSION: Low BMD and volume of intravertebral cement were the factors most strongly associated with subsequent fracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty.

Risk Factors for Subsequent Fracture after Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous vertebroplasty is an effective treatment that relieves pain caused by vertebral compression fracture. However, vertebroplasty may increase the risk for subsequent vertebral compression fracture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for subsequent fracture after vertebroplasty. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for 112 patients who were diagnosed with a first osteoporotic compression fracture at a single level and underwent vertebroplasty at that level. Possible risk factors for subsequent fracture, such as age, sex, bone mineral density (BMD), location of treated vertebrae, pattern of cement distribution, cement volume, presence of intradiscal cement leakage, and direction of cement leakage, were analyzed. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 18 new subsequent vertebral fractures developed (16.1%). Subsequent fractures were more common in osteoporotic patients (T-score or =3.5 cc were also associated with a significantly higher risk of fracture (p=0.012, r=0.238). CONCLUSION: Low BMD and volume of intravertebral cement were the factors most strongly associated with subsequent fracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty.

Asymptomatic Pulmonary Embolus Following Percutaneous Kyphoplasty: A Case Report / 대한골다공증학회지

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a relatively recent procedure in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Bone cement embolism is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of percutaneous vertebroplasty with cement. The risk for cement pulmonary embolism ranges between 3.5 and 23% for osteoporotic fractures. Bone cement leakage may be usually more frequent with vertebroplasty than with kyphoplasty. We experienced a 69-year-old female patient of an asymptomatic pulmonary embolus (length 8 cm) after kyphoplasty for an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture

Complication of cemented vertebra after kyphoplasty in osteoporotic compression fracture.

The reported case is of a postmenopausal woman with kyphoplasty for an L1 osteoporotic compression fractures (OCF) presenting with progressive kyphosis and paraparesis that developed with no history of other traumas. Serial radiographs and computed tomography were performed, followed by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. On serial radiographs, local kyphosis and neurologic deficit progressed with collapse of the cemented vertebra. MR scan and histologic examination diagnosed avascular necrosis (AVN). The symptoms resolved after posterior vertebral column resection of the collapsed cemented vertebral body and correction of the deformity. Although kyphoplasty is a simple and safe procedure for the management of pain in OCFs, careful follow-up is required as collapse of the cemented vertebra may be an AVN of the cemented vertebra and lead to neurologic deficit over time.