Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: A First Line Treatment in Traumatic Non-Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective cohort study. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to document and evaluate the clinical and radiological results of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) as a first line treatment in traumatic non-osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (TNVCFs). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE PV is commonly used for osteoporotic and neoplastic compression fractures, however its use in traumatic non-osteoporotic compression fractures is uncertain. METHODS We included 23 patients with traumatic non-osteoporotic TNVCFs and normal bone mineral densitometry scores who were treated with PV. Pain was evaluated at 2 hours, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post procedure using the 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS). Ronald-Morris disability Questionnaire (RDQ) scores were also collected. Statistical analysis included a 2-tailed t test comparing postoperative data with preoperative values. Range of mobility was also evaluated. RESULTS The 23 patients had an average age of 36 years, and 69.5% were female. There was a significant improvement in VAS scores of pain at rest and in motionand in RDQ scores (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study proved that PV can be used successfully as a first line treatment in patients with non-osteoporotic compression fractures. It is also, an effective method to decrease pain, increase mobility, and decrease narcotic administration.