Unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: A clinical efficacy evaluation

Abstract

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, often resulting from low-energy trauma, markedly impair the quality of life of elderly individuals. The present retrospective study focused on the clinical efficacy of unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures. A total of 68 patients, representing 92 vertebral bodies, who underwent the unilateral PVP technique from March 2020 to January 2023 were evaluated. Key parameters such as visual analogue scale (VAS) values, Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, Cobb angle measurements, and anterior vertebral height (AVH) were documented pre- and post-surgery. The mean follow-up period was 15.41±3.74 months. The mean pre-operative VAS score was 8.08±0.79, which was significantly reduced to 2.25±0.71 by 24 h post-surgery and stabilized at 1.58±0.51 by the final follow-up. The ODI showed a significant improvement from a pre-operative average of 67.75±7.91 to 19.74±2.90 post-surgery, and was maintained at a low level of 28.00±4.89 at the last assessment. Radiological evaluations revealed significant alterations in Cobb angle and AVH post-operation. Notably, during the follow-up, eight patients developed new compression fractures in different vertebral segments. In conclusion, the unilateral PVP method is safe and efficient for the management of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.