OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) combined with microwave ablation (MWA) on pain and clinical outcomes in patients with spinal metastases.

METHODS

Eighty-seven patients with spinal metastases were retrospectively collected and divided into the PKP group (40 cases), and PKP + MWA group (47 cases). The postoperative efficacy (Frankel grade classification) was assessed, and the height of the diseased vertebrae, pain indices [visual analogue scale (VAS) and analgesic use score (AUS)], dysfunction in daily activities [Oswestry disability index (ODI)], quality of life (quality of life scores for tumor patients), and physical status score [Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status] were compared. The incidence rate of adverse events and the survival of both groups were also counted.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, the PKP + MWA group had a higher total effective rate than the PKP group (P < 0.05). Versus the PKP group, the PKP + MWA group showed improved recovery of vertebral height, lower VAS, AUS, and ODI scores, higher QLS, and better physical status (all P < 0.05). Postoperative adverse events were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The disease-free survival rate and overall survival rate within 1 year were higher in the PKP + MWA group than in the PKP group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PKP combined with MWA elevates the height of the diseased vertebrae, alleviates the symptoms of pain and dysfunction, and promotes the quality of life and physical status in patients with spinal metastases.