title: The clinical and radiological availability of percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty as a treatment for osteoporotic burst fractures.
abstract: METHODS
  We retrospectively assessed the results of percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty (KP) by clinical and radiological methods.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the outcome of KP as a treatment for osteoporotic burst fractures.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Many surgeons are concerned about the possibility of neurological complications after percutaneous kyphoplasty for osteoporotic burst fractures, secondary to intra-canal cement leakage.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed KP as a treatment for osteoporotic burst fractures. We studied 12 patients/13 vertebrae. The two control groups consisted of patients who only underwent conservative treatment and those who underwent posterior instrumentation and fusion. We measured each preoperative/postoperative vertebral kyphotic deformity angle (KDA) using simple lateral spine images and checked for leakage of cement, as well. The preoperative/postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back pain, degree of daily activity, and postoperative complications were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean improvement in KDA after KP was 9.7+/-2.2 degrees . The mean preoperative and postoperative VAS scores for back pain were 8.3+/-0.4 and 3.1+/-0.17, respectively. Regarding the control group, the mean postoperative VAS score for the conservative group and the posterior surgery group decreased by 4.5+/-0.17 and 3.2+/-0.19, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the KP and posterior surgery groups (p=0.125). However, there was a statistically significant difference between the KP and conservative treatment groups (p=0.012).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  KP is safe and useful for treating osteoporotic burst fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Busan Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan, Korea.
authors.forename: Ki Chan
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: An
authors.forename: Sukjung
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Jang Suk
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Jin Hyuk
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Seo
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