Percutaneous vertebroplasty: functional improvement in patients with osteoporotic compression fractures.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, double-cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate conservative and percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

PV is an elective alternative to conservative management for the treatment of a painful osteoporotic vertebral fracture.

METHODS

We performed a prospective study consisting of 101 consecutive patients who underwent PV and 27 patients who refused PV treatment and were managed conservatively. We used a data evaluation and outcomes system that was developed to evaluate the outcomes of surgical intervention.

RESULTS

Patients that elected for PV as a treatment of their fractures had significantly more pain and functional impairment before the procedure than the patients of the conservative group (P < 0.001). The pain, functional, and general health scores of the PV group were improved from the preoperative mean values (P < 0.001) in all postoperative periods. Compared with the conservative treatment group, there was a significant difference at month 3. However, no statistical differences on function were observed between these groups at 6 months and 1 year posttreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

PV demonstrated a rapid and significant relief of pain and improved the quality of life. PV election for treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral fracture after 6 weeks of conservative treatment was based on pain and functional impairment.