Percutaneous vertebroplasty improves pain and physical functioning in elderly osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture patients.
BACKGROUND
Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are being recognized increasingly often in the elderly. They frequently cause severe and prolonged back pain and physical decline. Bed rest, narcotic analgesia, and external bracing were the only therapeutic modalities available in the past and had limited success.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of our study was to determine the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty in treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in the elderly.


METHODS
Twenty-two vertebroplasties were performed in 16 elderly patients. Pain relief, medication requirements, and physical functioning were evaluated before and 24 h and 6 months after vertebroplasty.


RESULTS
There was 81% improvement in pain intensity 24 h after operation, and 94% improvement was noted at the 6-month follow-up checkup. Physical functioning improved 69% 24 h after vertebroplasty and 63% 6 months later. Medication requirements also decreased in 75% of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures is safe and effective and should not be withheld from the elderly.
Liliang
Po-Chou
PC
Department of Neurosurgery, I-Shou University Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Su
Thung-Ming
TM
Liang
Cheng-Loong
CL
Chen
Han-Jung
HJ
Tsai
Yu-Duan
YD
Lu
Kang
K
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome