Percutaneous vertebroplasty: a first line treatment in traumatic non-osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

Abstract

Study design: This was a prospective cohort study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document and evaluate the clinical and radiological results of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) as a first line treatment in traumatic non-osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (TNVCFs).

Overview of literature: PV is commonly used for osteoporotic and neoplastic compression fractures, however its use in traumatic non-osteoporotic compression fractures is uncertain.

Methods: We included 23 patients with traumatic non-osteoporotic TNVCFs and normal bone mineral densitometry scores who were treated with PV. Pain was evaluated at 2 hours, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post procedure using the 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS). Ronald-Morris disability Questionnaire (RDQ) scores were also collected. Statistical analysis included a 2-tailed t test comparing postoperative data with preoperative values. Range of mobility was also evaluated.

Results: The 23 patients had an average age of 36 years, and 69.5% were female. There was a significant improvement in VAS scores of pain at rest and in motionand in RDQ scores (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The results of this study proved that PV can be used successfully as a first line treatment in patients with non-osteoporotic compression fractures. It is also, an effective method to decrease pain, increase mobility, and decrease narcotic administration.

Keywords: Non osteoporotic vertebral fracture; Percutaneous vertebroplasty; Traumatic compression fracture.

Fig. 1. Graph of average pain at rest and with activity based on VAS score, following vertebroplasty. VAS, visual analogue scale; Proep., preoperative.

Fig. 2. Graph of average RDQ scores following vertebroplasty. RDQ, Ronald-Morris disability Questionnaire; Proep., preoperative.

Fig. 3. (A) Lateral plain X-ray showing the T12 compression fracture (arrow denoting fractured T12 vertebra). (B, C) Plain X-ray anteriorposreior and lateral views show adequate filling of the injected cement in T12 vertebra.