Risk factors for conservative treatment failure in acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs)

A Retrospective Study of 91 Patients Treated with Percutaneous Kyphoplasty for Mild Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures and a New Evaluation Scale of Shape and Filling Effect of Cement

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) is commonly used to treat severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) by restoring vertebral height. However, its application in mild cases is not frequently discussed.

METHODS

The study retrospectively included 100 treated vertebral bodies of the 91 patients mentioned before, and efficacy was evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores preoperatively, 2 days postoperatively, and at 1 and 6 months after treatment, as well as mean variation in vertebral body height. The study also examined complications such as pain recurrence, delayed vertebral fracture, and loss of vertebral height, and developed a scale to assess the shape and filling effect of cement (SFEC) and its impact on complications.

RESULTS

The results showed significant reductions in mean VAS and ODI scores from pre-to post-surgery and an increase in vertebral body height. However, complications occurred in 10 patients who received treatment for 11 vertebral bodies, including pain recurrence, fractures, and loss of vertebral height. Among the 10 patients with complications, 7 (63.6%) vertebral bodies had dissatisfied SFEC scores, compared with 22 (24.7%) vertebral bodies with dissatisfied SFEC scores in 81 patients without complications (89 vertebral bodies).

CONCLUSIONS

PKP is a safe and effective method for treating mild OVCFs, but attention should be paid to the shape and filling effects of cement during surgery to prevent later complications. The developed SFEC scale provides a specific and quantitative standards for evaluating the recovery status after PKP, which need further validations.

Enhancing percutaneous kyphoplasty efficacy in elderly osteoporotic fractures through optimal cement filling ratio

Objective

To explore the appropriate bone cement filling ratio in percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF).

Methods

Clinical and radiological data from 150 OVCF patients treated with PKP were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into three groups based on bone cement filling ratio: low (<0.4), medium (0.4-0.6), and high (>0.6) filling ratio groups. The clinical characteristics (age, gender, BMI, etc.) and related study data (bone cement leakage and its location, pre/post-operative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), pre/post-operative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), vertebral height restoration, kyphotic Cobb angle, etc.) among the three groups were compared using statistical software to compare to identify the most appropriate cement filling ratio.

Results

The 0.4-0.6 group presented a lower cement leakage rate compared to the >0.6 group, and there were no significant differences in pre-operative VAS, post-operative day 2 VAS, post-operative month 1 VAS, and pre-operative ODI (p>0.05). However, significant differences were observed in post-operative month 3 VAS (p=0.002), post-operative day 2 ODI (p=0.002), post-operative month 1 ODI (p<0.001), and post-operative month 3 ODI (p<0.001). The "0.4-0.6" group showed better pain improvement and functional recovery compared with the ">0.6" group at the 3-month follow-up. While presenting the best vertebral height restoration, the ">0.6" group also exhibited the greatest variability. Additionally, no significant difference in Cobb angle changes was observed among the groups.

Conclusion

A bone cement filling ratio of 0.4-0.6 in PKP treatment for OVCF strikes a favorable balance between complication reduction and positive patient outcomes, warranting it as an optimal filling volume.

[Osteoporotic vertebral fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine]

The frequency of osteoporotic vertebral fractures in the clinical routine is increasing due to the demographic change. They are the most frequent fractures associated with osteoporosis and affect an especially morbid and vulnerable group of patients. These fractures often occur after minor trauma or spontaneously. Pain is the predominant symptom, whereas mechanical stability is mostly sufficient, in comparison to vertebral fractures after high-energy trauma, and is not a predominant indication for surgery. These fractures can be described using the classification for fractures associated with osteoporosis and the corresponding treatment recommendations are guided by them. Besides the specific treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures, a holistic treatment of patients taking pre-existing comorbidities into consideration is decisive. A mobilization as quickly as possible and treatment of the underlying osteoporosis are important to prevent further fractures.

Prognostic nutritional index and modified frailty index, independent risk factors for recompression in elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

BACKGROUND

To identify some clinical and laboratory independent risk factors for postoperative recompression among elderly osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 287 elderly OVCF patients after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). Relevant risk factors for recompression were screened and further analyzed through multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Within postoperative 1 year, recompression had occurred in 72 patients, with an incidence of 25.1% (72/287). Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that mean spinal BMD <  - 2.85 (OR: 4.55, 95%CI 2.22-9.31, P < 0.001), ODI ≥ 68.05% (OR: 6.78, 95%CI 3.16-14.55, P < 0.001), PNI score < 43.1 (OR: 2.81, 95%CI 1.34-5.82, P = 0.005), and mFI score ≥ 0.225 (OR: 8.30, 95%CI 3.14-21.95, P < 0.001) were four distinct risk factors that independently contributed to postoperative recompression.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal BMD, ODI, PNI and mFI independently predict recompression in OVCF patients after PVP treatment.

Multidisciplinary and Coordinated Management of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: Current State of the Art

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) present a significant health concern, affecting a substantial portion of the older adult population worldwide. This narrative review explores the prevalence, diagnostic challenges and management strategies for OVCFs. Despite the increasing incidence and impact on morbidity and mortality, existing clinical guidelines lack consistency and clear diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations. The review addresses key questions faced by physicians dealing with older adult patients experiencing acute back pain, offering insights into triage, radiological assessments and classification systems. We propose a comprehensive algorithm for clearing OVCF, considering clinical presentation, radiological findings and morphological aspects. Emphasis is placed on the importance of medically treating osteoporosis alongside OVCF management. The review encompasses relevant literature from 1993 to 2023, provides a detailed discussion on triage issues and incorporates a clinically oriented classification system developed by the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma. The Material and Methods section outlines the extensive literature search carried out in PUBMED, encompassing clinical and experimental studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The articles retained focused mainly on answering critical questions regarding radiological assessments, imaging modalities and the presence of a specific classification system for OVCFs. The review emphasises that the evaluation and management of OVCFs necessitates a multidisciplinary approach involving spine specialists and bone disease experts. It also addresses the role of conservative versus surgical treatments, with a focus on percutaneous vertebral augmentation. The conclusion summarises the algorithm derived for use in emergency departments and general practice, aiming to streamline OVCF management, reduce unnecessary examinations and ensure optimal patient care. The algorithm recommends primary diagnosis using computed tomography, with magnetic resonance imaging reserved for specific cases. The review advocates a holistic approach, integrating medical and surgical interventions to address the complex challenges posed by OVCFs in ageing populations.

Impact of body mass index on outcomes of inpatients with vertebral compression fractures in Japan: A retrospective cohort study

AIM

The present study examined the relationship between body mass index and the ability to perform the activities of daily living in patients with vertebral compression fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis of patients aged >65 years hospitalized with a vertebral compression fracture was carried out using a nationwide database in Japan. Body mass index was categorized as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2 ), normal weight (18.5-22.9 kg/m2 ), overweight (23.0-27.4 kg/m2 ) and obese (≥27.5 kg/m2 ) according to the World Health Organization criteria for the Asia-Pacific region. The primary outcome was Barthel Index gain, namely, the change in the Barthel Index score at discharge from that at admission. Secondary outcomes were the length of hospital stay and readmission within 30 days of discharge.

RESULTS

Among 41 423 participants, 24.5% were classified as underweight, excluding those with missing body mass index data. The underweight group had a significantly lower Barthel Index gain than the normal, overweight and obese groups (median 20 vs 25 vs 30 vs 30, respectively, P < 0.001). The underweight group also had longer hospital stays and higher 30-day readmission rates than the other groups. A multivariable analysis showed that being underweight was independently associated with a Barthel Index gain -3.63 points (95% confidence interval -4.58 to -2.68) lower than normal weight. Furthermore, being underweight was an independent variable affecting the length of hospital stay and readmission within 30 days (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with vertebral compression fractures, being underweight leads to lower Barthel Index scores, longer hospital stays and increased readmissions within 30 days of discharge. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 788-794.

Comparison of thoracolumbar versus non-thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in risk factors, vertebral compression degree and pre-hospital back pain

BACKGROUND

Thoracolumbar spine is at high risk of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF). This study aimed to identify the differences in risk factors, vertebral compression degree and back pain characteristics of thoracolumbar OVCF (TL-OVCF) and non-thoracolumbar OVCF (nTL-OVCF).

METHODS

OVCF patients hospitalized in a spine center between June 2016 and October 2020 were retrospectively studied. Demographics, comorbidity, spine trauma, bone mineral density, duration of pre-hospital back pain, extent of vertebral marrow edema, and degree of vertebral compression of patients with nTL-OVCF were summarized and compared to those with TL-OVCF.

RESULTS

A total of 944 patients with acute single-segment OVCF were included. There were 708 (75.0%) TL-OVCF located in T11-L2 and 236 (25.0%) nTL-OVCF in lower lumbar (L3-L5) and middle thoracic (T5-T10) spine. The female-male ratio was 4.1 in nTL-OVCF and differed not significantly from TL-OVCF. The middle thoracic OVCF were older and had higher comorbidity of coronary heart disease (21.3%) and cerebral infarction (36.3%) than TL-OVCF (12.1% and 20.6%). In nTL-OVCF the ratio of apparent spine trauma (44.9%) and pre-hospital back pain ≤ 1 week (47.5%) was lower than in TL-OVCF (66.9% and 62.6%). The T-score value of lumbar spine was - 2.99 ± 1.11, - 3.24 ± 1.14, - 3.05 ± 1.40 in < 70, 70-80, > 80 years old TL-OVCF and differed not significantly from nTL-OVCF. The lower lumbar OVCF had more cranial type of vertebral marrow edema (21.8%) and fewer concurrent lumbodorsal fasciitis (30.8%) than TL-OVCF (16.8% and 43.4%). In TL-OVCF the anterior-posterior vertebral height ratio was lower with back pain for > 4 weeks than for ≤ 1, 1-2, and 2-4 weeks. In nTL-OVCF the degree of vertebral compression differed not significantly with pre-hospital back pain for ≤ 1, 1-2, 2-4, and > 4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracolumbar spine has 2-folds higher risk of OVCF than non-thoracolumbar spine. Non-thoracolumbar OVCF are not associated with female gender, apparent spine trauma or poor bone mineral density, but tend to maintain the degree of vertebral compression and cause longer duration of pre-hospital back pain.

Impact of Aspiration Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Reducing Bone Cement Leakage and Enhancing Distribution-An Ex Vivo Study in Goat Vertebrae

Osteoporosis-induced vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) occurs commonly in people over the age of 50, especially among menopausal women. Besides conservative therapy, minimally invasive percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and kyphoplasty (PKP) have been widely used in clinical treatment and achieved good efficacy. However, the leakage of bone cement (CL) during vertebroplasty (PV) is a major risk that can cause (serious) complications such as compression of the spinal cord, pulmonary embolism, or even paraplegia. In this study, we introduced a new aspiration technique with standard PV procedures (APV) to ameliorate the risk of leakage with quantitative verifications of its effectiveness. APV intends to create a differential pressure to guide the direction of cement flow within the vertebrae. To test this technique, Nubian goats' ex vivo vertebral bodies (VBs) were used to simulate the PV surgical process in humans. Results show that the proposed APV has a lower leakage rate of 13% compared to the 53% of conventional PV. Additionally, the APV approach achieves more uniform cement distribution via the 9-score method with a value of 7 ± 1.30 in contrast to 4 ± 1.78 by conventional PV.

A Retrospective Study to Evaluate the Role of Dynamic Fracture Mobility in the Conservative Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether dynamic fracture mobility could affect the outcome of conservative treatment in patients with acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).

METHODS

A total of 158 patients who underwent conservative treatment in our hospital for painful OVCFs were included in this study and their data were retrospectively analyzed. According to the degree of pain relief, patients were divided into an excellent efficacy group and a poor efficacy group. Factors that may affect the outcome of conservative treatment were recorded for each patient. Variables with a statistical difference between the 2 groups were entered into multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the factors influencing the outcome of conservative treatment. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

The result showed that dynamic fracture mobility, overweight, age, and bone mineral density (BMD) (all P <  0.001) were independent factors influencing the outcome of conservative treatment. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the cutoff values for age and BMD that predicted treatment effect were 72.5 years and -3.30, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed that dynamic fracture mobility could be used as an independent factor predicting the outcome of conservative treatment in patients with acute OVCFs. It was also shown that overweight, age, and BMD were other independent factors influencing the outcome of conservative treatment. A comprehensive evaluation of these related factors can guide the doctor to take appropriate treatment for a unique acute OCVF.

Radiographic adjacent segment degeneration and risk factors for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty

PURPOSE

In this study, we aimed to clarify whether osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) following percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) was associated with a high risk for radiographic adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) and to identify the risk factors for radiographic ASD in these individuals.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with OVCFs who underwent PKP at our institution between November 2015 and January 2021. The incidence of radiographic ASD was calculated and specific subgroups of ASD were identified. Univariate and multivariate analyses of demographic, clinical baseline, and radiologic data were performed to identify risk factors associated with radiographic ASD.

RESULTS

With a mean follow-up time of 27.3 months, a total of 95 eligible patients were enrolled. The incidence of radiographic ASD distinguished from natural degeneration was 52.6%. Patients with OVCFs who underwent PKP had a high risk of developing radiographic ASD, particularly disc degeneration. Intradiscal cement leakage (odds ratio [OR], 5.706; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.039-15.970; P = 0.001) and preoperative disc height (OR, 0.681; 95% CI, 0.518-0.895; P = 0.006) were identified as independent risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Patients with OVCFs who underwent PKP were more likely to develop radiographic ASD, and their progression was distinguished from natural degeneration. Disc degeneration was the most common type of degeneration. Intradiscal cement leakage and preoperative disc height were identified as independent risk factors for developing radiographic ASD in these patients. Further validation through prospective multicenter studies is required.

Which frailty scales for patients with adult spinal deformity are feasible and adequate? A systematic review

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Frailty as a concept is not yet fully understood, and is not the same as comorbidity. It is associated with an increased risk of adverse events and mortality after surgery, which makes its preoperative assessment significant. Despite its relevance, it still remains unclear which scales are appropriate for use in patients with spinal pathology.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility and measurement properties of frailty scales for spine patients, specifically with adult spinal deformity (ASD), and to propose adequate scales for primary triage to prevent surgery in too frail patients and for preoperative assessment to modify patients' condition and surgical plans.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Systematic review.

METHODS

Systematic search was performed between 2010 and 2021 including terms relating to spinal disorders, frailty scales, and methodological quality. Characteristics of the studies and frailty scales and data describing relation to treatment outcomes were extracted. The risk of bias was determined with the QAREL score.

RESULTS

Of the 1993 references found, 88 original studies were included and 23 scales were identified. No prospective interventional study was found where the preoperative frailty assessment was implemented. Predictive value of scales for surgical outcomes varied, dependent on spinal disorders, type of surgeries, patients' age and frailty at baseline, and outcomes. Seventeen studies reported measurement properties of eight scales but these studies were not free of bias. In 30 ASD studies, ASD-Frailty Index (ASD-FI, n=14) and 11-item modified Frailty Index (mFI-11, n=11) were most frequently used. These scales were mainly studied in registry studies including young adult population, and carry a risk of sample bias and make their validity in elderly population unclear. ASD-FI covers multidisciplinary concepts of frailty with 40 items but its feasibility in clinical practice is questionable due to its length. The Risk Analysis Index, another multidisciplinary scale with 14 items, has been implemented for preoperative assessment in other surgical domains and was proven to be feasible and effective in interventional prospective studies. The FRAIL is a simple questionnaire with five items and its predictive value was confirmed in prospective cohort studies in which only elderly patients were included.

CONCLUSIONS

No adequate scale was identified in terms of methodological quality and feasibility for daily practice. Careful attention should be paid when choosing an adequate scale, which depends on the setting of interest (eg triage or preoperative work-up). We recommend to further study a simple and predictive scale such as FRAIL for primary triage and a comprehensive and feasible scale such as Risk Analysis Index for preoperative assessment for patients undergoing spine surgery, as their adequacy has been shown in other medical domains.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty in osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with huge spinal epidural hematoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) accompanying huge spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is fairly rare. The aim of this report is to investigate the management strategies and treatment outcomes of OVCF accompanying SEH.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 89-year-old female patient was admitted to hospital because of severe back pain and numbness of both lower limbs after a slight fall. The magnetic resonance imaging examination of the patient showed a fresh compression fracture at L2 accompanying a large dorsal SEH which extended from the T12 to L3 and deformed the spinal cord.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was diagnosed with OVCF accompanying SEH.

INTERVENTIONS

Given mild neurologic deficits, the hematoma was not treated, and the patient underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) only.

OUTCOMES

After the procedure, immediate pain relief was achieved and the numbness of both lower limbs disappeared 3 days later. Three months after the procedure, the follow-up magnetic resonance imaging revealed a complete resolution of the hematoma.

LESSONS

OVCF accompanying SEH is fairly rare, and the exact pathophysiological mechanisms are still not clear. In selected patients without or with only slight neurologic symptoms, it is reasonable to perform PVP alone in OVCF accompanying SEH. Moreover, intravertebral stability after PVP might have played a role in spontaneous resolution of SEH.

Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of a CT Image under Deep Learning Algorithm to Evaluate the Application of Percutaneous Kyphoplasty in Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Compression Fractures

In order to investigate the therapeutic evaluation of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures by three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of computed tomography (CT) based on the deep learning V-Net network, the traditional V-Net was optimized first and a new and improved V-Net was proposed. The introduced U-Net, V-Net, and convolutional neural network (CNN) were compared in this study. Then, 106 patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures were enrolled, and 128 centrums were divided into the test group with 53 cases of PKP and the control group with 53 cases of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) according to different surgical protocols. All patients underwent CT scan based on the improved V-Net, and data of centrum measurement indicators, pain score, and therapeutic evaluation results of the modified Macnab were collected. The Dice coefficient of the improved V-Net was observably higher than that of U-Net, V-Net, and CNN, while the Hausdorff distance was lower than that of U-Net, V-Net, and CNN (P < 0.05). The anterior height, central height, and posterior height of the centrum were significantly higher than those in the control group after operation (3, 5, and 7 days), while the Cobb angle of vertebral kyphosis was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The score of visual analog scale (VAS) and analgesic use score of patients in the test group were markedly lower than those in the control group (3, 5, and 7 days after operation), P < 0.05. Besides, the excellent and good rate of the test group was remarkably higher than that of the control group, P < 0.05. Hence, the improved V-Net had better quality of segmentation and reconstruction than the traditional deep learning network. Compared with PVP, PKP was helpful in restoring the height of the centrum in patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures and correct kyphosis, with better analgesic effect safety.

Risk Factors for Failure in Conservatively Treated Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures: A Systematic Review

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

OBJECTIVES

Osteoporosis is one of the most common diseases of the elderly, whereby vertebral body fractures are in many cases the first manifestation. Even today, the consequences for patients are underestimated. Therefore, early identification of therapy failures is essential. In this context, the aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the current literature with respect to clinical and radiographic findings that might predict treatment failure.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive, systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) checklist and algorithm.

RESULTS

After the literature search, 724 potentially eligible investigations were identified. In total, 24 studies with 3044 participants and a mean follow-up of 11 months (range 6-27.5 months) were included. Patient-specific risk factors were age >73 years, bone mineral density with a t-score <-2.95, BMI >23 and a modified frailty index >2.5. The following radiological and fracture-specific risk factors could be identified: involvement of the posterior wall, initial height loss, midportion type fracture, development of an intravertebral cleft, fracture at the thoracolumbar junction, fracture involvement of both endplates, different morphological types of fractures, and specific MRI findings. Further, a correlation between sagittal spinal imbalance and treatment failure could be demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this systematic review identified various factors that predict treatment failure in conservatively treated osteoporotic fractures. In these cases, additional treatment options and surgical treatment strategies should be considered in addition to follow-up examinations.

Hospital Frailty Risk Score predicts adverse events in older patients with vertebral compression fractures: Analysis of data in a nationwide in-patient database in Japan

AIMS

This study investigated the usefulness of frailty for predicting adverse events in patients with vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) during hospitalization using data obtained from the Japanese health insurance system.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study of patients with VCFs aged ≥65 years was conducted using a nationwide database in Japan. We examined the relationships between frailty risk, classified using the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS), in-hospital mortality, and complications such as pressure ulcers and pneumonia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between the HFRS and the outcomes of patients with VCFs.

RESULTS

In this study, the data of 30 980 in-patients with VCFs were analyzed. Of these patients, 76.8%, 21.3%, and 1.9% had low, intermediate, and high risks of frailty, respectively. The higher the risk of frailty, the higher the rate of in-hospital mortality and the occurrence of all complications (P < 0.001 for trend). An intermediate risk of frailty was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.421; P < 0.001), whereas a high risk of frailty did not show statistical significance (OR, 1.385; P = 0.150). Each frailty risk was independently associated with the occurrence of all complications during hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

The HFRS, which can assess the risk of frailty based on routinely collected medical records, was predictive of adverse events in older patients with VCFs based on a nationwide database in Japan. Future studies need to assess approaches to preventing adverse events in frail VCF patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; ••: ••-••.

Effect of Surgical Timing on the Refracture Rate after Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: A Retrospective Analysis of at Least 4-Year Follow-Up

Introduction

The effect of surgical timing on vertebral refracture rate and mortality remains elusive after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) or percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), and we aim to assess the impact of surgical timing on vertebral refracture rate and mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous vertebroplasty.

Methods

We did a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent PKP or PVP because of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2016. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of vertebral refracture. Secondary outcomes included the mortality and chronic back pain.

Results

The rate of vertebral refracture was significantly lower in early surgical timing group than that in late surgical timing group (HR 2.415, 95% CI 1.318–4.427; P = 0.004). We found that the bone mineral density (BMD) was only the risk factor to increase the vertebral refracture rate after vertebroplasty (P = 0.001). In addition, there was similar mortality between the two groups (15.7% in early surgical timing group versus 10% in late surgical timing group). Male patients (27.3%, 12/44) had higher mortality compared to female patients (10.6%, 20/189), while the mortality was higher in patients with cerebral infarction (25%, 3/12) than those without cerebral infarction (12.1%, 17/140).

Conclusions

Surgical timing significantly affects the vertebral refracture rate after PKP or PVP, which is also influenced by BMD. The mortality after the surgery is not affected by the surgical timing, but gender and cerebral infarction may be the risk factors of mortality.

Calcitonin (FORTICAL, MIACALCIN) for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures

Purpose of Review

Osteoporosis is a common condition affecting the musculoskeletal system. It carries with it increased risks of fracture in many areas of the body, leading to reduced quality of life, limited mobility, and other long-term implications such as chronic pain. Vertebral compression fractures are a common development in patients with osteoporosis. Current treatment options focus on reducing pain; preventative methods are somewhat limited and focus on minimizing risk factors for the development of osteoporosis. In this review, we explore the use of calcitonin (FORTICAL, MIACALCIN) to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).

Recent Findings

Osteoporosis had a prevalence of more than 10% in the United States in 2010. The CDC estimates that nearly 25% of women over age 65 have findings of osteoporosis, which include low spinal bone mass. The condition is highly prevalent and, in an aging U.S. population, quite clinically relevant. Risk factors for development include advanced age, cigarette smoking, medications, reduced physical activity, and low calcium and vitamin D intake. Family history may also play a role. Diagnosis is made based on bone mineral density.Standard therapy for VCFs in osteoporosis includes analgesic medications, such as NSAIDs and biphosphonates, and surgical intervention. NSAIDs address the chronic pain that is a common long-term effect of VCFs. Biphosphonates have recently been used to attempt to halt the progression and provide prevention. Surgical interventions such as balloon kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are typically reserved for patients who have failed other methods.Calcitonin is a peptide naturally produced by the human body, released from the parathyroid gland. It binds to osteoclasts, inhibiting them from inducing bone resorption. By relatively unknown mechanisms, it also appears to cause endorphin release and mitigate pain. Clinical data has shown safety and efficacy for exogenous calcitonin in reducing bone turnover and reducing VCF-induced pain.

Summary

Osteoporosis is a common condition that can lead to complications such as vertebral compression fractures. It can significantly impact the quality of life in many elderly Americans. There is currently no singular treatment, but calcitonin has recently been explored as a possible option for minimizing pain and reducing disease progression. Further studies are needed to understand its preventative benefits fully.

Age Is Just a Number: Patient Age Does Not Affect Outcome Following Surgery for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

Multiple studies have shown that osteoporotic patients are at an increased risk for medical and surgical complications, making optimal management of these patients challenging. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between patient age and the likelihood of surgical complications, mortality, and 30-day readmission rates following surgery for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2007 to 2014 identified 1979 patients who met inclusion criteria. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios (OR), with corresponding P values and 95% confidence intervals, of the relationship between age (treated as a continuous variable) and perioperative mortality, surgical complications, and 30-day readmission rates.

RESULTS

Younger patients were statistically more likely to endure a minor (OR = 0.98; P = .002) or major complication (OR = 0.97; P = .009). The older a patient was, on the other hand, the higher the likelihood that patient would be readmitted within 30 days of surgery (OR =1.02; P = .004). Mortality within the 30-day perioperative period was not statistically correlated with age.

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of age on adverse outcomes following surgery for OVCF is mixed. While younger patients are more likely to endure complications, older patients are more likely to be readmitted within 30 days following surgery. Patient age showed no correlation with mortality rates. In the setting of surgical treatment for an OVCF, a patient's age can help determine the risk of complications and the rate of readmission following intervention.

Vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fracture

Appropriate care of patients with a recent painful osteoporotic vertebral fracture (VF) requires immobilisation, analgesics and spinal orthoses. Some VFs are however responsible for disabling pain and prolonged bed rest. In this context, vertebroplasty techniques have been proposed with a large benefit in case series and open-label randomised studies, but lack efficacy in three among four double-blind randomised studies. The objectives of the treatment of a recent painful VF are to relieve pain and to preserve mechanical conditions. With this in mind, we report an experts’ opinion paper on the indications for vertebroplasty and research agenda for clinical studies.

Comparison of different predicting models to assist the diagnosis of spinal lesions

In neurosurgical or orthopedic clinics, the differential diagnosis of lower back pain is often time-consuming and costly. This is especially true when there are several candidate diagnoses with similar symptoms that might confuse clinic physicians. Therefore, methods for the efficient differential diagnosis can help physicians to implement the most appropriate treatment and achieve the goal of pain reduction for their patients.In this study, we applied data-mining techniques from artificial intelligence technologies, in order to implement a computer-aided auxiliary differential diagnosis for a herniated intervertebral disc, spondylolithesis, and spinal stenosis. We collected questionnaires from 361 patients and analyzed the resulting data by using a linear discriminant analysis, clustering, and artificial neural network techniques to construct a related classification model and to compare the accuracy and implementation efficiency of the different methods.Our results indicate that a linear discriminant analysis has obvious advantages for classification and diagnosis, in terms of accuracy.We concluded that the judgment results from artificial intelligence can be used as a reference for medical personnel in their clinical diagnoses. Our method is expected to facilitate the early detection of symptoms and early treatment, so as to reduce the social resource costs and the huge burden of medical expenses, and to increase the quality of medical care.

Multicenter evaluation of therapeutic strategies of inpatients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures in Germany

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess therapeutic strategies of inpatients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures (OTF) in Germany.

METHODS

Prospective multi-center study including 16 German-speaking trauma centers over a period of 7 months. All inpatients with OTF were included. Radiological and clinical data on admission and treatment modalities were assessed.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and seven (99.3%) out of 712 included patients (73.3% female) could be evaluated. Mean age was 75 years (30-103). 51.3% could not remember any traumatic incident. Fracture distribution was from T2 to L5 with L1 (19%) most commonly affected. According to the Magerl classification type A1 (52.1%) and A3 (42.7%) were most common. B and C type injuries (2.6%) and neurological deficits (3.1%) were rare. Previous progression of vertebral deformation was evident in 34.4% of patients and related to t score below - 3 (Odds ratio 1.9661). Patients presented with anticoagulation medication (15.4%), dementia (13%), and ASA score > 3 (12.4%) frequently. 82.3% of patients complained of pain > 4 on VAS, 37% could not be mobilized despite pain medication according to grade II WHO pain ladder. 81.6% received operative treatment. Kyphoplasty (63.8%) and hybrid stabilization including kyphoplasty with (14.4%) or without screw augmentation (7.6%) were the techniques most frequently used. Invasiveness of treatment increased with degree of instability.

CONCLUSIONS

OTF are mostly type A compression fractures. Patients suffer from severe pain and immobilization frequently. Progression of deformity is correlated to t score below - 3. Treatment of inpatients is mainly surgical, with kyphoplasty followed by hybrid stabilization as commonly used techniques.

Use of proton density fat fraction MRI to predict the radiographic progression of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of the proton density fat fraction (PDFF) in predicting the progression of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).

METHODS

The cohort in this retrospective study consisted of 48 patients with OVCFs who underwent spine MRI that included PDFF between December 2016 and June 2018. The patients were divided into two groups (with versus without OVCF progression, based on the radiographic results obtained at the 6-month follow-up examination). Two musculoskeletal radiologists independently calculated the PDFF of the fracture and the PDFF ratio (fracture PDFF/normal vertebrae PDFF) using regions of interest. The mean values of these parameters were compared between the two groups, and the receiver operating characteristic curves were analysed.

RESULTS

The mean age was significantly higher in the group with OVCF progression (71.6 ± 8.4 years) than in the group without (64.8 ± 10.5 years) (p = 0.018). According to reader 1, the PDFF ratio was significantly lower in the group with OVCF progression versus that without OVCF progression (0.38 ± 0.13 vs 0.51 ± 0.20; p = 0.009), whereas the difference in the PDFF itself was not statistically significant. The PDFF ratio [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.723; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.575-0.842] had a larger AUC than did the PDFF (AUC = 0.667; 95% CI, 0.516-0.796). The optimal cut-off value of the PDFF ratio for predicting OVCF progression was 0.42; this threshold corresponded to sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values of 84.0%, 60.9%, and 72.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The age and PDFF ratio can be used to predict OVCF progression.

KEY POINTS

• Chemical shift-encoded magnetic resonance imaging provides quantitative parameters for predicting OVCF progression. • The PDFF ratio is significantly lower in patients with OVCF progression. • The PDFF ratio is superior to the PDFF for predicting OVCF progression.

Performance of Double-Arm Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)-Guided and C-Arm-Guided Percutaneous Kyphoplasty (PKP) to Treat Senile Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

Background

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) is a common fracture in the elderly. Conservative treatment requires prolonged bedding, which may lead to serious complications. To explore optimized use of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in the treatment of senile osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures, in this study, we used C-arm-guided and double-arm digital subtraction angiography (DSA)-guided PKP to treat OVCF in elderly patients and analyzed the effective recovery.

Material/Methods

In all, 60 patients who presented with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures at our hospital between July 2017 and February 2019 were analyzed. They were randomly divided into C-arm-guided group and the double-arm DSA-guided groups. Both groups were treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty.

Results

A pain VAS score analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the two groups before surgery (P>0.05). After surgery, the VAS scores showed a significant difference between the C-arm-guided group and the double-arm DSA-guided PKP treatment group (P<0.01). Moreover, with respect to the bone cement dosage, vertebral correction height, operation time, cumulative radiation dose, percolation rate, and volume of bone cement, the double-arm DSA-guided PKP treatment showed significantly better results than the C-arm-guided PKP treatment (P<0.01).

Conclusions

Our data revealed that double-arm DSA-guided PKP was more accurate in treatment of senile osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures, producing excellent performance with more accurate intraoperative evaluation, shorter operative time, lower incidence of bone cement leakage, less intraoperative radiation dose, and higher safety, and thus, could be extensively applied to clinical surgery.

Percutaneous cement augmentation in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) in the elderly: a systematic review

Purpose

A systematic review, to study treatment effects for osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) in the elderly including all available evidence from controlled trials on percutaneous cement augmentation.

Methods

Primary studies, published up to December, 2019, were searched in PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Selected were all prospective controlled studies including patients > 65 years of age and reporting on at least one main outcome. Main outcomes were pain, disability and quality of life (QOL) 1 day post-intervention and at 6 months postoperatively. Excluded were meta-analyses or reviews, retrospective or non-controlled studies, case studies, patients’ groups with neoplastic and/or traumatic fractures and/or neurologically compromised patients.

Results

Eighteen studies comprising 2165 patients (n = 1117 percutaneous cement augmentation, n = 800 conservative treatment (CT), n = 248 placebo) with a mean follow-up of up to 12 months were included. Pooled results showed significant pain relief in favor of percutaneous cement augmentation compared to CT, direct postoperative and at 6 months follow-up. At 6 months, a significant difference was observed for functional disability scores in favor of percutaneous cement augmentation. When comparing percutaneous cement augmentation to placebo, no significant differences were observed.

Conclusion

This review incorporates all current available evidence (RCTs and non-RCTs) on the efficacy of percutaneous cement augmentation in the treatment of OVFs in the elderly. Despite methodological heterogeneity of the included studies, this review shows overall significant sustained pain relief and superior functional effect in the short- and long term for percutaneous cement augmentation compared to conservative treatment.

Graphic abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Safety and efficacy of percutaneous kyphoplasty assisted with O-arm navigation for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures at T6 to T9 vertebrae

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of PKP under O-arm navigation system guidance for treating middle thoracic OVCF (T6~T9).

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted for 44 consecutive T6~T9 OVCF patients who received PKP assisted with O-arm navigation (n = 20) or fluoroscopy (n = 24) from January 2016 to December 2017. Demographic data, radiographic parameters, and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed at pre-operative, post-operative, and final follow-up period. Complications including tissue lesion, needle malposition, and leakage of bone cement were also recorded amid operation.

RESULTS

A total of 44 patients (4 males and 40 females, with mean age of 71.1 ± 8.7) were enrolled in this study, and the mean follow-up time was 14.4 months. In surgical details, navigation system could obtain more satisfactory volume of injected cement and less loss of blood, as well did not increase surgical time compared with fluoroscopy. Both radiological and clinical outcomes improved significantly at post-operative and final follow-up, while did not differed between two groups. For adverse events, the incidence of cement leakage was similar between two groups. However, O-arm navigation can achieve lower rate of complications than fluoroscopy.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary study demonstrated that PKP assisted with O-arm navigation is a safe and effective procedure that applied for middle thoracic OVCF (T6~T9), which can achieve favourable radiological and clinical outcomes, and low rate of complications.

Percutaneous kyphoplasty assisted with/without mixed reality technology in treatment of OVCF with IVC: a prospective study

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical outcome of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) assisted with mixed reality (MR) technology in treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) with intravertebral vacuum cleft (IVC).

Method

Forty cases of OVCF with IVC undergoing PKP were randomized into a MR technology-assisted group (group A) and a traditional C-arm fluoroscopy group (group B). Both groups were performed PKP and evaluated by VAS scores, ODI scores, radiological evidence of vertebral body height, and kyphotic angle (KA) at pre-operation and post-operation. The volume of injected cement, fluoroscopy times, and operation time were recorded. And cases of non-PMMA-endplates-contact(NPEC) in radiological evidence was also recorded postoperatively. The clinical outcomes and complications were evaluated afterwards. All patients received 10 to 14 months follow-up, with an average of 12 months.

Result

This MR-assisted group (group A) acquired more about the amount of the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) injection and postoperative vertebral height and less about postoperative KA, fluoroscopy times, and operation time compared with the control group (group B) (P < 0.05). The VAS scores and ODI scores in both groups have improved, but more significantly in group A (P < 0.05). Also, more cases achieve both-endplates-touching of cement in group A (P < 0.05). And there are less of the loss of vertebral height, KA, and occurrence of re-collapse of the vertebra in group A during the follow-up (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

PKP assisted with MR technology can accurately orientate the position of IVC area, which can be augmented by the balloon leading to more satisfied vertebral height improvement, cement diffusion, and pain relief.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03959059. Registered 25 September 2016.