Purpose: This study aims to investigate the incidence, clinical features, and predictors of cervical spinal cord compression (CSCC) in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF).
Methods: The study focused on patients with OVCF. The presence of CSCC was determined using the modified Cord Compression Index (Grades 0–3) based on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the entire spine. Significant CSCC was defined as Grade≥2, and the distribution of compression level as well as the number of Grade≥2 segments were investigated in each patient. Predictive factors for CSCC were identified using multivariate regression analysis, with variables including sagittal parameters from MRI of the entire spine and general patient characteristics.
Results: Out of 300 OVCF patients, 121 (40.3%) displayed significant CSCC on MRI. Of these, 106 were grade 2, and 15 were grade 3. Signal changes indicating myelomalacia were detected in 12 patients (4.0%) on T2-weighted MRI images. Of the 121 patients, 107 (88.4%) were asymptomatic or had subtle myelopathy, while 71 (58.7%) had multiple segmental compressions. The incidence of CSCC was positively correlated with age. Significant CSCC was most frequently found in the C4/5 and C5/6 segments. Only 4 patients (4.0%) underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) combined with cervical decompression and fusion surgery under general anesthesia in the one stage. Multivariate regression analysis identified age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and Torg-Pavlov ratio as independent predictors of CSCC grade.
Conclusion: The prevalence of significant cervical spinal cord compression in OVCF patients was 40.3%, which is relatively high. In patients with older age, female sex, elevated BMI, or developmental spinal stenosis, preoperative cervical spine MRI and assessment for myelopathy signs and symptoms are essential to prevent adverse treatment outcomes. Prophylactic cervical decompression and general anesthesia should not be prioritized unless the patient has severe cervical spinal cord compression or local anesthesia is insufficient for PKP, as this approach is generally more beneficial for the patient.