Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture in the Midthoracic Vertebrae...

Data reporting percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty (PKP) application to the midthoracic vertebrae remain limited. This study aimed to summarize our experiences and explore the efficacy and safety of PVP or PKP in dealing with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) in the midthoracic vertebrae.

Patients receiving PVP or PKP for midthoracic OVCF in our institution from January 2015 to January 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. All patients were grouped according to cement augmentation procedure types, surgical approaches, and puncture routes. All patients underwent a postoperative follow-up of 2-36 months. Visual analog scale (VAS) and ECOG Scale of Performance Status scores were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. Cement distribution and rate of cement leakage were assessed by radiographs. Associations of these variables and clinical scores and radiographic indices were analyzed.

A total of 101 consecutive patients with 111 fractured centrums were enrolled. Both VAS and ECOG Scale of Performance Status scores of all patients decreased significantly after the operation, and progressively decreased at the final follow-up. The cement distribution of the bipedicular group was significantly better than the unipedicular group, but the total leakage rate of the former (71.7%) was significantly higher than the latter (43.1%). The rate of epidural cement leakage in the PKP group (5.4%) was significantly lower than that of the PVP group (20.3%), whereas the left puncture group (28.6%) was significantly higher than that of the right puncture group (2.7%).

PKP and a bipedicular approach can help improve cement distribution and reduce the epidural cement leakage rate and therefore should be preferred over PVP or a unipedicular approach in OVCF of the midthoracic vertebrae.