Augmentation of fenestrated pedicle screws with cement in patients with osteoporotic spine.

BACKGROUND

Backing out and failure of pedicle screws in patients with osteoporosis is becoming a big problem due to wide use of these screws nowadays.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the purchase of fenestrated pedicle screws augmented with cement in patients with osteoporosis.

STUDY DESIGN

This was retrospective observational study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From May 2015 to January 2016, 25 patients with a poor bone stock condition underwent posterior fixation by fenestrated pedicle screws and cement augmentation. Assessment of pain improvement was done by visual analogue score (VAS) score while the long-term clinical outcome was assessed using Oswestry low back disability questionnaire (Oswestry disability index [ODI]). Implant stability was evaluated by plain radiography. Complications were evaluated in all cases.

RESULTS

All patients were followed up clinically and radiographically for a mean age of 24.84 months. There was a significant reduction in pain and improvement of the quality of life as detected using VAS scores and ODI questionnaire consecutively ( < 0.001). No radiological loosening or backing out of screws was observed. Cement leakage occurred in five cases.

CONCLUSION

Augmentation of fenestrated screws with cement provided effective and lasting purchase in patients with osteoporosis. The only clinical complication strictly related to this technique was cement leakage.