title: Clinical evaluation of vertebroplasty for multiple-level osteoporotic spinal compression fracture in the elderly.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Outstanding results have been achieved using vertebroplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic spinal compression fractures. However, few reports are available in the management of multiple-level compression fractures due to severe osteoporosis. This study prospectively evaluated the clinical and surgical outcomes of patients receiving vertebroplasty due to multiple-level osteoporotic spinal compression fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen patients underwent more than four levels of vertebroplasty due to multiple-level osteoporotic spinal compression fracture. All patients received a preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) check-up to determine which level needed vertebroplasty. Detailed evaluations were made in accordance with the patients' clinical tracking, pre- and postoperative daily activities, Denis pain scale, and Roland-Morris score.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After an average follow-up period of 36 months, the group receiving multiple-level vertebroplasty showed significant improvement, as registered on the Denis pain scale, Roland-Morris score, and in the activity of daily living. No major complications occurred during operation or postoperation, except one patient who expired due to suffocation at the rehabilitation center 3 weeks after vertebroplasty.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of vertebroplasty with cement to treat multiple-level osteoporotic spinal compression fractures in the elderly does have value, and brings good results to patients which were previously unimaginable. Preoperative MRI to evaluate the non-union levels and determine which levels needed vertebroplasty is very important.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, E-DA Hospital / I-Shou University, 1, E-Da Road, Jiau-Shu Tsuen, Yan-Chau Shiang 824, Kaohsiung County, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Shang-Won
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Shih-Chieh
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Yu-Hsien
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Kao
authors.forename: Cheng-Yo
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Yen
authors.forename: Yuan-Kun
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Tu
authors.forename: Lih-Huei
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D050815:Fractures, Compression / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D054854:Vertebroplasty