Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures has achieved very good results, but its long-term efficacy as well as impact on patients has been rarely reported so far.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term effect of vertebroplasty with bone cement on osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures through a follow-up.
METHODS: Thirty-four patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures who had undergone percutaneous vertebroplasty were recruited. Visual analogue scale scoring was measured and compared as well as lesioned vertebral height and kyphosis angle shown on lateral X-ray examination prior to, 1 week and 6 years after percutaneous vertebroplasty.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The kyphosis angle was improved 1 week and 6 years after percutaneous vertebroplasty, and it changed insignificantly during the follow-up period. The vertebral height was also improved significantly after percutaneous vertebroplasty (P < 0.01); however, there was no obvious variation in the vertebral height at 1 week and 6 years after percutaneous vertebroplasty. The visual analogue scale exhibited an improvement after percutaneous vertebroplasty (P < 0.01); however, with time going by, the scoring on the visual analogue scale had an increased tend. All the parameters remained stable and had no large fluctuations. It is proved that the percutaneous vertebroplasty is effective and safe to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with an excellent long-term effect.