The clinical and radiological availability of percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty as a treatment for osteoporotic burst fractures.
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.
An
Ki Chan
KC
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Busan Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan, Korea.
Kang
Sukjung
S
Choi
Jang Suk
JS
Seo
Jin Hyuk
JH
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