Abstract:

BACKGROUND: In the severely collapsed vertebrae of more than two-thirds of their original height, vertebroplasty is regarded as a contraindication.
OBJECTIVE: To verify percutaneous vertebroplasty combined with postural reduction can treat severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.
METHODS: Seventy-five patients with single-level vertebral compression fracture were treated with postural reduction and vertebroplasty. They were divided into three groups according to the onset duration, < 4 weeks group, 4-8 weeks group and >   8 weeks group. In 30 of 75 patients, the vertebral body was severely collapsed more than two-thirds of its original height. Compression ratio (anterior height/posterior height) was calculated, the Cobb angle was measured and the degree of re-expansion was analyzed according to the onset duration.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The mean compression ratio was 0.60±0.15 initially and increased to 0.75±0.17 after vertebroplasty. The mean Cobb angle was (16.14±11.29)° before treatment and corrected to (10.71±12.08)° after vertebroplasty. Over the onset duration, the compression ratio and Cobb angle decreased. Twenty-eight of thirty (93%) severely collapsed vertebrae re-expanded after postural reduction, which made vertebroplasty possible. Patients’ pain relieved after vertebroplasty. It is indicated that the onset duration of vertebral fractures is shorter, and the degree of re-expansion, correction of Cobb angle, improvement of spinal sagittal kyphosis and pain relieve after vertebroplasty degree are higher.