To Study the Functional Outcome of Vertebroplasty versus Conservative Management in Osteoporotic Fractures

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) significantly affect morbidity and quality of life. While conservative management (analgesics, bracing, and physiotherapy) is standard, vertebroplasty offers a minimally invasive alternative. This study compared the functional outcomes of vertebroplasty and conservative management in patients with osteoporotic fractures.

A prospective study of patients (≥60 years) with acute/subacute VCFs assessed pain (visual analog scale) and function (Oswestry disability index) at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Patients underwent either vertebroplasty or conservative management. Statistical analysis included Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U-tests.

Among 162 patients (81 per group), vertebroplasty led to significantly greater pain relief and functional improvement at all follow-ups (P < 0.0001). However, new fractures were more frequent in the vertebroplasty group (9.68% vs. 3.23%).

Vertebroplasty provides faster pain relief and better functional recovery but carries a higher risk of new fractures, requiring careful patient selection.