Abstract

BACKGROUND: Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Problems concerning adjacent level fracture and cement leakage are referred , both of which may depend on the volume and pressure of injected cement. In this study we aim to assess the efficacy and safety of the procedure. METHODS: Twenty adults with one to three vertebral fractures (total 31 fractures) w treated with balloon kyphoplasty were enrolled in this study. In all patients pressure of balloon expansion was not increased over 200psi. Cement volume per vertebra was 2,2 ml (1,5-2,9).Pre-and 6 and 12 months postoperatively the clinical parameters visual analogue scale and the Oswestry score and the vertebral height were evaluated. Mean surgical time was 31 min/level, mean hospital stay was 2 days. RESULTS: With a mean follow up of 12,4 months we had no perioperatively or other complications. The median pain scores (VAS) improved significantly pre-to 6 months posttreatment , as did the Oswestry disability score. All patients were satisfied regarding pain relieve and functional outcome even in cases were the vertebral body height was not reseted unexceptionably.We had no case of adjacent level fracture at 6 months postoperative time. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that balloon kyphoplasty is an effective and safe procedure for patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures .Even in cases were restoration of the vertebral height was not satisfying, pain and disability scores improved pre-to posttreatment, even were low cement volumes are used.