The safety and efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty for patients over 90 years old

Abstract

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the safety and efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for patients aged 90 or over.

Materials and methods: We analyzed 130 consecutive patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures who underwent a first-time PVP between May 2015 and September 2017 at our institution. We divided them into the elder patient group aged 90 years or over (n = 21) and the younger patient group under 90 years (n = 109). We compared the two groups' background, treatments, and outcomes using univariate analyzes and the log rank test.

Results: A significant difference was observed in dementia (19% in the younger group vs. 48% in the elder group, p < 0.01). No significant difference was revealed in the procedure time or the rate of complications. The post-PVP mobility function and the pain level were significantly improved compared to before PVP in both groups (p < 0.01 each). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in the recurrence of vertebral fracture after treatment (17% vs. 14%) or the 1-year survival rate (79% vs. 86%), respectively.

Conclusion: The results of our analyzes suggested that a PVP can safely and effectively contribute to pain relief as well as the restoration of ambulation for patients aged 90 or over.

Keywords: Decubitus position; Elderly patient; Prophylactic treatment; Vertebroplasty.