Percutaneous Kyphoplasty for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures Associated with Spinal Canal Encroachment without Neurological Symptoms

Background: Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) has been widely used for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). However, whether this approach is suitable for osteoporotic vertebral fractures with spinal canal encroachment remains controversial. Material/Methods: Of 526 patients who underwent PKP at our hospital, 40 had conditions associated with spinal canal encroach-ment, and were enrolled in the study. Detailed physical, neurological, and radiological examinations were per-formed on each patient before and after surgery and at the followup. A visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used for the clinical assessment. The vertebral body height, the local ky-phosis, and the spinal canal width were used for the radiological evaluation. Results: There were 11 male and 29 female patients, with a mean age of 71 +/- 8 years. The VAS score decreased from 6.4 +/- 0.7 preoperatively to 1.6 +/- 0.7 postoperatively and to 2.3 +/- 1.5 at the last followup visit. The ODI score was 78 +/- 9.5 before surgery, declined to 24 +/- 11.3 after surgery, and was 27.6 +/- 12.5 at the last followup visit. The ver-tebral body height increased from 11.7 +/- 4.3 mm to 14.6 +/- 4.4 mm. The local kyphosis decreased from 15.0 +/- 10.7 degrees preoperatively to 8.5 +/- 11.3 degrees postoperatively. The spinal canal width remained stable, at 8.5 +/- 2.0 mm before PKP and 8.7 +/- 1.9 after PKP. Conclusions: PKP effectively relieved back pain in OVCF patients with spinal canal encroachment. Their social function im-proved as well.

Automated summary

Percutaneous kyphoplasty effectively relieves back pain in OVCF patients with spinal canal encroachment and improves their social function.