Risk factors for secondary fractures to percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a systematic review

A novel assessment system for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

The objective of this study was to introduce and validate a novel developed scoring system tailored specifically for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs), aiming to provide guidance for treatment selection. A retrospective analysis spanning from March 2016 to March 2021 was conducted on 208 patients diagnosed with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) who received conservative treatment. Patients were categorized into low-score (47 cases), medium-score (98 cases), and high-score (63 cases) groups based on the Novel Assessment System for OVCFs (NASOVCF) scores. Comparative analyses of radiographic and clinical data were performed, and logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for bone non-union and progressive kyphosis. The high-score group exhibited significantly inferior outcomes, characterized by higher Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores (P < 0.05), increased vertebral height loss, and kyphosis angle differences compared to the low and medium-score groups (P < 0.05). Notably, a bone union rate of 38.1% (24/63) was observed in the high-score group, significantly lower than that of the low-score group (97.9%, 46/47). Furthermore, the progressive kyphosis rate was 47.6% (30/63) in the high-score group, significantly higher than the 17.3% (17/98) observed in the medium-score group and the 2.2% (1/46) observed in the low-score group. In multivariate analysis, higher NASOVCF score emerged as an independent risk factor for bone non-union (OR = 1.713, 95% CI 1.458-2.013, P < 0.001). Similarly, higher NASOVCF score (OR = 1.373, 95% CI 1.203-1.568, P < 0.001), along with female gender and higher pre-treatment ODI score, were identified as independent risk factors for progressive kyphosis. The area under the curve (AUC) for bone non-union and progressive kyphosis were 0.895 and 0.835, respectively, indicating robust discriminative performances. Higher NASOVCF score was identified as a significant risk factor for non-union and progressive kyphosis following conservative treatment in OVCFs. NASOVCF score emerged as a crucial predictor for adverse outcomes in patients at high risk who underwent conservative management. Surgical interventions such as vertebral augmentation may represent a potentially superior option for individuals with high NASOVCF scores.

Prediction models for adjacent vertebral fractures after vertebral augmentation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review published studies on risk prediction models for adjacent vertebral fractures (AVF) after vertebral augmentation (VA), thereby providing a reference for constructing and improving such models.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, and SinoMed were searched from their inception to July 13, 2024. The Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) was used to assess the risk of bias and applicability of the prediction model studies; STATA 15.0 software was used to perform a meta-analysis on the area under the curve (AUC) values of the model validation and the common predictors used in model construction.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies were included, establishing 13 risk prediction models, with a total sample size of 3,083 patients. The AUC values of the included models ranged from 0.72 to 0.988. Of the included studies, 11 conducted internal validation, while two performed external validation. According to the PROBAST evaluation, all 13 studies exhibited a high risk of bias, yet demonstrated good applicability. The results of meta-analysis showed that the combined AUC value for the 5 validation models was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.76, 0.97). Notably, bone cement leakage (OR = 5.75, 95% CI: 3.43 ~ 9.60), age (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.05 ~ 1.36), and a history of vertebral fractures (OR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.64 ~ 4.13) were identified as significant high-risk factors for AVF after VA.

CONCLUSION

The risk prediction models for AVF after VA performed well, but exhibited a high risk of bias. It is recommended that future studies should consider selecting more appropriate machine learning algorithms and conducting large-sample, multicenter studies. Meanwhile, healthcare providers should focus on patients with bone cement leakage, advanced age, and a previous history of vertebral fractures, remaining vigilant for the potential occurrence of AVF.

Clinical effect analysis of unilateral percutaneous vertebral cement distribution in the repair of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures

BACKGROUND

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures and their complications pose increasing risks to the elderly. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) by assessing postoperative cement distribution.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the impact of cement distribution on the efficacy of vertebral compression fracture repair to provide effective preventive and therapeutic measures, prevent postoperative vertebral re-fracture, and improve surgical outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 170 patients who underwent unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty at our hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected. Based on the postoperative X-ray cement distribution morphology, they were divided into the good distribution group (n = 87) and the poor dispersion group (n = 83). The basic information of patients, surgery-related indicators including operation time, total hospitalization costs, postoperative hospitalization time, cement injection volume, visual analog scale (VAS) for back pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for back pain, vertebral height restoration rate, local kyphotic angle of the vertebra, and incidence of re-fracture of injured and adjacent vertebrae were compared between the two groups, and the follow-up results of all patients were recorded.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in age, gender, body mass index, fracture days, menopausal age of female patients, bone density T value, medical history, smoking history, alcohol history, and surgical segments between the two groups (P > 0.05). The VAS scores for back pain at 1 month and 1 year postoperatively were significantly lower in the good distribution group than in the poor dispersion group, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The good distribution group had a significantly lower incidence of re-fracture of injured vertebrae and overall fracture incidence than the poor dispersion group (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in operation time, cement dosage, cement leakage, postoperative hospitalization time, adjacent vertebral fractures, postoperative vertebral height restoration rate, VAS scores for back pain at preoperative and 1 week postoperative, and ODI at preoperative, 1 week, 1 month, and 1 year postoperative between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared with the poor dispersion group, patients in the cement distribution group achieved better short-term clinical efficacy, and long-term prognosis effects are still under observation. Moreover, the cement good distribution group significantly reduced the incidence of re-fracture of injured vertebrae and overall fracture incidence, thereby achieving better surgical outcomes.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty by two-step fluoroscopy: a treatment for osteoporotic compression fractures of thoracic vertebrae in older adults

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) performed with a two-step fluoroscopy technique for treating thoracic osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) in older patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical and imaging data from 48 patients diagnosed with thoracic OVCFs, who underwent treatment with percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP) utilizing a two-step fluoroscopy technique at Yangquan First People's Hospital between January 2019 and January 2022. The study assessed the clinical efficacy of this procedure by analyzing Visual Analog Scale(VAS) scores, Cobb angle values, and vertebral height measurements before surgery and at 2 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Before treatment, the mean VAS score of patients was 7.5 ± 0.6. Subsequently, at 2 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the procedure, these mean scores decreased to 2.3 ± 0.6, 2.2 ± 0.5, 2.2 ± 0.4, and 2.0 ± 0.3, respectively. This decline was statistically significant (P < 0.05) compared to the preoperative VAS score. The preoperative Cobb angle was 12.1° ± 0.9°, and the Cobb angle values at the corresponding time points were 12.2° ± 0.8°, 12.3° ± 1.1°, 12.3° ± 1.0°, and 12.2° ± 0.9°. Initially, the mean height of the vertebral body in these patients was 17.38 ± 1.56 mm. Postoperatively, at 2 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, these values were 19.30 ± 1.81 mm, 19. 12 ± 1.60 mm, 19.00 ± 1.45 mm, and 19.00 ± 1.20 mm, respectively. No significant difference was observed between postoperative and preoperative Cobb angle and vertebral height (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous vertebroplasty using a two-step fluoroscopy method not only has the therapeutic effect of traditional surgical methods, reducing pain from thoracic vertebral compression fractures in the elderly and enhancing their quality of life and mobility, but also streamlines the intraoperative fluoroscopy procedure. This method stand as an effective approach for managing osteoporotic compression fractures of the thoracic vertebrae in elderly.

Analysis of factors associated with intercostal neuralgia after osteoporotic thoracic spine fracture and construction of a prediction model

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the associated factors of intercostal neuralgia in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) of the thoracic spine and to develop a predictive model to assess the likelihood of patients developing intercostal neuralgia following thoracic vertebral fractures.

METHODS

The retrospective study involved 518 patients with thoracic OVCF treated at our hospital, among whom those with and without intercostal neuralgia were matched at a 1:1 ratio.Relevant basic clinical data and imaging parameters of the patients were recorded, t-test was used for continuous variables and chi-square test for categorical variables to determine the factors associated with intercostal neuralgia. Subsequently, the above associated variables were screened using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to obtain associated factors. Finally, a prediction model for osteoporotic thoracic spine fracture was developed and validated.

RESULTS

This study included a total of 104 patients based on the presence or absence of intercostal neuralgia.The results of multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that injured vertebral intervertebral foraminal area (P = 0.0008, regression coefficient estimate 0.0490, 95% confidence interval 0.0219-0.0798, OR = 1.0503), injured vertebral intervertebral foraminal volume (P = 0.0001, regression coefficient value - 0.0028, 95% confidence interval - 0.0044 to -0.0015, OR = 0.9972), and nerve root area (P = 0.0038, regression coefficient estimate=-0.0876, 95% confidence interval - 0.1506 to -0.0309, OR = 0.9161) were independent associated factors.The fatty degeneration ratio have a positive promotional effect on the probability of developing intercostal pain.The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the prediction model was 0.851, which indicated that the line graph model had a certain degree of predictive validity.

CONCLUSION

Thoracic osteoporotic fractures are a common geriatric disease, and changes in the morphological parameters of the intervertebral foramina, such as a reduction in the area and volume of the injured vertebral intervertebral foramina, as well as fatty degeneration of the thoracic back muscles, suggest an increased probability of developing intercostal neuralgia.

Biomechanical Effects of Different Spacing Distributions Between the Cemented Superior Boundary and Surgical Vertebral Superior Endplates After Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) treated with vertebroplasty (PVP) are experiencing an increasing number of problems such as pain recurrence, mainly due to recompression fractures of the operated vertebral body within a certain period of time after the operation, which is closely related to the distribution of intraoperative bone cement. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of different spacing distributions between the upper boundary of the cement and the upper endplate of the operated vertebra on the biomechanics of the operated vertebra after percutaneous vertebroplasty for OVCF using finite element analysis (FEA).

METHODS

One patient with L1 vertebral body OVCF was selected, and computed tomography (CT) of the thoracolumbar segment was performed. The CT data were extracted to establish an FEA model of the T12-L2 vertebral bodies. Bone cement was injected into the L1 vertebral body. Based on the spacing between the upper boundary of the bone cement and the vertebral body's upper endplates, the model vertebrae were divided into 0, 2, 4, and 6 mm spacing groups, and the human body's upright, flexion-extension, lateral flexion, and rotational positions were simulated. The biomechanical effects of different spacing distributions on the postoperative L1 vertebral body and the injected bone cement were evaluated.

RESULTS

In this paper, we found that the Von Mises stress of the L1 vertebrae was the smallest when the spacing between the upper boundary of the bone cement and the vertebral body's upper endplates was 0 mm. The larger the spacing in a certain range between the upper boundary of the bone cement and the vertebral body's upper endplates, the greater the Von Mises stress of the L1 vertebrae. However, in the stress comparison of the injected bone cement, the Von Mises stress of the bone cement was greatest when the spacing between the upper boundary of the bone cement and the upper endplate of the vertebral body was 0 mm; the larger the spacing, the smaller the Von Mises stress.

CONCLUSION

When the contact spacing between the upper boundary of the bone cement and the upper endplate of the vertebral body is 0 mm, it can effectively eliminate and transfer the pressure caused by the load, thus reducing the stress on the cancellous bone and further reducing the risk of vertebral refracture after surgery.

Risk factors for new vertebral fractures after percutaneous vertebroplasty or percutaneous kyphoplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

Object

This study aims to conduct a prospective analysis of patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP), and further analyze the risk factors for new vertebral fracture following treatment.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted from November 2020 to March 2022 at the First Hospital of Longyan City to select patients with OVCF who underwent treatment in the Department of Spinal Surgery. Data collection during the follow-up period focused on various factors that could potentially be associated with new vertebral fractures after PVP/PKP procedures. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they experienced new vertebral fractures within two years after discharge: the new fracture group (n = 186) and the non-fracture group (n = 64), and statistical analysis was conducted accordingly.

Results

All cases were followed up for 12 to 24 months, with an average of 14.7 months. Differential analysis revealed that age, diabetes, hemoglobin (HB), total protein (TP), serum albumin (ALB), b-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collage (β-CTX), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D3), number of fractured vertebrae, bone mineral density (BMD), regular exercise after discharge, anti-osteoporosis treatment after discharge, cross-sectional area (CSA), and fatty degeneration ratio (FDR) were associated with new vertebral fractures (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that age (OR = 1.519, P = 0.032), diabetes (OR = 3.273, P = 0.048), and FDR (OR = 1.571, P = 0.027) were positively associated with the occurrence of new vertebral fractures, while bone mineral density (OR = 0.108, P = 0.044), 25-OH-D3 (OR = 0.871, P = 0.032), CSA (OR = 0.564, P = 0.009), regular postoperative exercise (OR = 0.259, P = 0.025), and osteoporosis treatment (OR = 0.291, P = 0.045) were negatively associated with the occurrence of new vertebral fractures.

Conclusion

Patients with osteoporosis fractures who are older, have poor glycemic control, lower bone mineral density, lower levels of 25-OH-D3, weaker paraspinal muscles, and higher fat infiltration are at increased risk of new vertebral fractures after undergoing PKP/PVP. On the other hand, maintaining regular physical activity and adhering to osteoporosis treatment can help prevent new vertebral fractures.

The Associations Between Individual Anthropometric Measurements and Fracture Risk: A Mendelian Randomization Study

BACKGROUND

The primary objective of this study was to investigate and substantiate the possible causal connections between measurements of body dimensions and the likelihood of experiencing fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to examine the associations between anthropometric measurements and two specific traits-bone mineral density and fracture risk. To ensure the credibility of our causal conclusions, we used the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method along with various sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

Our findings suggest a notable link between increased height and the likelihood of fractures. Specifically, employing the IVW method revealed that for every 10-cm increase in height, there was a 6.0% rise in fracture risk (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.06-1.13; P=.0001). This outcome was further supported by both the weighted-median method and the MR-Egger method, with an OR of 1.10 (95% CI, 1.03-1.16; P=.0003) and an OR of 1.11 (95% CI, 1.08-1.17; P=.0020), respectively. No statistically significant associations were observed between other measurements, such as body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI, hip circumference adjusted for BMI, and waist circumference adjusted for BMI, and fracture risk. Sensitivity analyses, including MR-Egger regression's intercept test and multivariate testing, indicated no substantial presence of directional pleiotropy in instrumental variables, ensuring the stability and reliability of our analysis results.

CONCLUSION

Our study used MR to present genetic evidence supporting height as a distinct causal factor in fracture susceptibility. Our findings underscore the importance of incorporating anthropometric measurements into the development of strategies for preventing and treating osteoporosis. [Orthopedics. 2025;48(1):25-29.].

Feasibility study in quantitative identification of fresh and old osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture by vertebral CT value and CT value difference

BACKGROUND

This study aims to assess the diagnostic utility of vertebral CT value and CT value difference in distinguishing between fresh and old osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 118 patients with OVCF who underwent both MRI and CT examinations at our hospital. The nature of the fractured vertebra was determined according to MRI. The CT value of the fractured vertebrae and the mean CT value of the adjacent normal vertebrae were measured separately, and the differences between these values were calculated. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare CT value and CT value difference among all groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to determine the optimal cut-off value for both CT value and CT value difference in differentiating fresh and old fractures.

RESULTS

The study included a total of 163 fractured vertebrae from 118 patients. The CT value of fresh fractured vertebrae was significantly higher than those of adjacent normal vertebrae, which was statistically different (P < 0.001). In contrast, the difference between CT value of old fractured vertebrae and those of adjacent normal vertebrae was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There were significant differences in CT value and CT value difference between fresh fractured vertebrae and old fractured vertebrae (P < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value of CT value for fresh fractures and old fractures was 103.40 HU. The optimal cut-off value of CT value difference was 39.81 HU.

CONCLUSION

Vertebral CT value and CT value difference offer a certain reference value for distinguishing between fresh and old OVCF. These parameters can serve as a rapid diagnostic tool when MRI is unavailable or impractical, aiding in the timely assessment of OVCF.

Adjacent Vertebral Refracture Prediction Model Based on Imaging Data After Vertebroplasty for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture

OBJECTIVES

To establish a predictive model to evaluate the risk of adjacent vertebral refracture (VRF) after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) based on perioperative imaging data.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective cohort study which established a predictive model of VRF after PKP for OVCF. Patients who underwent PKP for OVCF in our hospital between January 2018 and December 2020 were enrolled and divided into a refracture group and normal group. Perioperative imaging data including preoperative bone mineral density (BMD), fatty infiltration (FI%) of paravertebral muscle, sagittal parameters of the spine and pelvis, and recovery rate of vertebral height were collected. The prediction model is obtained by multifactor logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 242 patients were included, including 23 cases in the VRF group and 219 cases in the normal group. There were statistical differences in BMD, FI%, recovery rate of vertebral height, and sagittal imbalance between the 2 groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of continuous variables showed that BMD ≤-2.80, FI% ≥40%, and recovery rate of vertebral height ≥ 10% were the cutoff values. Logistic regression analysis showed that BMD ≤-2.80, FI% ≥40%, and sagittal imbalance were independent risk factors for VRF. The area under the curve according to the predicted probability was 0.85 (P < 0.05). After simplifying the model, the total point of the model was 7 points, with a cutoff value of 5 points.

CONCLUSIONS

The prediction model obtained in this study can predict refracture after PKP for OVCF early and effectively. It has an excellent predictive effect which is suitable for clinicians.

Effect of percutaneous vertebroplasty on the treatment of osteoporotic spinal fractures in elderly patients and risk factors for postoperative lower extremity deep vein thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of PVP (PVP) in treating osteoporotic spinal fractures in the elderly and analyze the risk factors for postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities.

METHODS

A total of 100 elderly patients with osteoporotic spinal fractures, treated between August 2019 and July 2021, were divided into two groups: PVP (research group, n=50) and conservative treatment (control group, n=50). Outcome measures, including injured vertebrae, pain levels, and treatment outcomes, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who underwent PVPs were further categorized based on the presence of lower extremity DVT one month post-surgery. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for post-surgical lower limb DVT.

RESULTS

PVP resulted in a significantly smaller posterior convexity angle of the injured spine and higher anterior, midline, and posterior edges of the injured spine compared to conservative treatment (P<0.001). Patients in the research group had significantly lower visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and higher treatment efficiency compared to those in the conservative treatment group (all P<0.05). Nine cases of lower extremity DVT were observed after PVP. Logistic regression analysis identified age, body mass, smoking, and diabetes as independent risk factors for post-surgical lower extremity DVT.

CONCLUSION

PVP improves spinal function and relieves pain in elderly patients with osteoporotic fractures. However, age, body mass, smoking, and diabetes are independent risk factors for postoperative lower extremity DVT.

Analysis of the impact of underlying diseases in the elderly on postoperative re-fractures after osteoporotic compression fractures

BACKGROUND

Postoperative refracture of osteoporotic compression fractures in the elderly due to underlying illnesses is a complicated matter involving several variables. A multidisciplinary approach involving orthopedics, geriatrics, endocrinology, and rehabilitation medicine is necessary for an investigation of these issues. investigating the impact of older patients' underlying medical conditions on the refracture of osteoporotic compression fractures following surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 2383 patients between August 2013 and August 2023. 550 patients with comorbid geriatric underlying diseases were screened, 183 patients underwent refractories, and 367 patients were classified as non-refractories. The patients were then divided into two groups: those undergoing refractories and those not, and the underlying diseases of the patients in both groups were examined using ROC curves and unifactorial and multifactorial logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Among the patients gathered, the frequency of re-fracture was 33.3%. A statistically significant difference was observed when re-fracture was linked to patients with long-term alcohol consumption, operated vertebrae ≤ 1, hypertension, COPD, diabetes mellitus, stroke sequelae, conservative treatment of coronary heart disease, trauma, mental abnormality, scoliosis, and chronic renal disease. Having hypertension decreased the risk of re-fracture (P = 0.018, OR = 0.548), while alcohol intake ≥ 10years (P = 0.003, OR = 2.165), mental abnormality (P < 0.001, OR = 4.093), scoliosis (P < 0.001, OR = 6.243), chronic kidney disease (P = 0.002, OR = 2.208), and traumatic injuries (P = 0.029, OR = 3.512) were the risk factors examined in a binary logistic regression analysis. The results of multiple linear stepwise regression analysis indicated that re-fracture was more influenced by scoliosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertensive disorders were protective factors against the formation of re-fracture, while alcohol intake usage for more than ten years, psychological abnormalities, scoliosis, chronic kidney disease, and trauma were risk factors. Scoliosis had the highest influence on re-fracture.

The reduced cortical bone density in vertebral bodies: risk for osteoporotic fractures? Insights from CT analysis

BACKGROUND

There is a corresponding increase in the prevalence of osteoporosis and related fractures with the aging population on the rise. Furthermore, osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) may contribute to higher patient mortality rates. It is essential to conduct research on risk factors for OVCF and provide a theoretical basis for preventing such fractures.

METHODS

We retrospectively recruited patients who had spine CT for OVCF or back pain. Demographic and CT data were collected. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) software analyzed the CT data, using subcutaneous fat and paraspinal muscles as reference standards for BMD processing. BMD of cortical and cancellous bones in each patient's vertebral body was determined.

RESULTS

In this study, 144 patients were divided into non-OVCF (96) and OVCF (48) groups. Non-OVCF patients had higher cortical BMD of 382.5 ± 52.4 to 444.6 ± 70.1 mg/cm3, with T12 having the lowest BMD (p < 0.001, T12 vs. L2). Cancellous BMD ranged from 128.5 ± 58.4 to 140.9 ± 58.9 mg/cm3, with L3 having the lowest BMD. OVCF patients had lower cortical BMD of 365.0 ± 78.9 to 429.3 ± 156.7 mg/cm3, with a further decrease in T12 BMD. Cancellous BMD ranged from 71.68 ± 52.07 to 123.9 ± 126.2 mg/cm3, with L3 still having the lowest BMD. Fractured vertebrae in OVCF patients (T12, L1, and L2) had lower cortical bone density compared to their corresponding vertebrae without fractures (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

T12 had the lowest cortical BMD and L3 had the lowest cancellous BMD in OVCF patients, with T12 also having the highest incidence of osteoporotic fractures. These findings suggest that reduction in cortical BMD has a greater impact on OVCF than reduction in cancellous BMD, along with biomechanical factors.

Effectiveness of bone-filled mesh bag technology and angle vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic thoracic vertebral compression fractures in the elderly

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness, pain level, and lung function in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracic vertebral compression fractures using bone filling mesh bag technology compared to curved vertebroplasty.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis reviewed 72 elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracic vertebral compression fractures treated at Xindu District People's Hospital of Chengdu between February 2021 and January 2022. The patients were separated into two groups according to surgery approach: an observation group using bone filling mesh bag technology and a control group using curved vertebroplasty. The overall response rate, pain degree, pulmonary function, life quality grades, surgical indicators, and bone cement leakage rates of the two groups were evaluated.

RESULTS

The variation in overall response rate (P=0.420), pain degree (P=0.270), pulmonary function (peak expiratory flow: P=0.660, forced expiratory volume in the first second: P=0.775, forced vital capacity: 0.062), and life quality grades (physical health: P=0.949, social function: P=0.935, physiological function: P=0.970, vitality: P=0.778) between the observation group and the control group after treatment was not statistically meaningful. The Cobb angle (P<0.001) and vertebral height (P<0.001) of patients in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group after therapy. The leakage rates of bone cement (intervertebral disc leakage, paravertebral vein leakage, paravertebral soft tissue leakage) of patients in the observation group were notably lower than those in the control group after therapy (P=0.029).

CONCLUSION

Bone filling mesh bag technology offers significant improvements in Cobb angle and vertebral height for treating elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracic vertebral compression fractures, and reduced the leakage rate of bone cement. This technique achieves comparable therapeutic outcomes to curved vertebroplasty.

Paraspinal muscle parameters' predictive value for new vertebral compression fractures post-vertebral augmentation: Nomogram development and validation

Objective

Prior research underscores the significance of paraspinal muscles in maintaining spinal stability. This study aims to investigate the predictive value of paraspinal muscle parameters for the occurrence of new vertebral compression fractures (NVCF) following percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF).

Methods

Retrospectively collected data from October 2019 to February 2021 (internal validation, n = 235) and March 2021 to November 2021 (external validation, n = 105) for patients with OVCF treated with PVP/PKP at our institution. They were randomly divided into training (188 cases) and validation groups (47 cases) at an 8:2 ratio. Lasso regression and multivariable logistic regression identified independent risk factors in the training set, and a Nomogram model was developed. Accuracy was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), calibration was evaluated with calibration curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and clinical utility was analyzed using decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC).

Results

Surgical approach, spinal computed tomography (CT) values, and multifidus skeletal muscle index (SMI) are independent predictors of postoperative NVCF in OVCF patients. A Nomogram model, based on the identified predictors, was developed and uploaded online. Internal validation results showed area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.801, 0.664, and 0.832 for the training set, validation set, and external validation, respectively. Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit tests (χ2 = 7.311-14.474, p = 0.070-0.504) and calibration curves indicated good consistency between observed and predicted values. DCA and CIC demonstrated clinical net benefit within risk thresholds of 0.06-0.84, 0.12-0.23, and 0.01-0.27. At specificity 1.00-0.80, the partial AUC (0.106) exceeded that at sensitivity 1.00-0.80 (0.062).

Conclusion

Compared to the spinal CT value, the multifidus SMI has certain potential in predicting the occurrence of NVCF. Additionally, the Nomogram model of this study has a greater negative predictive value.

Stem Cell and Regenerative Therapies for the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) significantly increase morbidity and mortality, presenting a formidable challenge in healthcare. Traditional interventions such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, despite their widespread use, are limited in addressing the secondary effects of vertebral fractures in adjacent areas and do not facilitate bone regeneration. This review paper explores the emerging domain of regenerative therapies, spotlighting stem cell therapy's transformative potential in OVCF treatment. It thoroughly describes the therapeutic possibilities and mechanisms of action of mesenchymal stem cells against OVCFs, relying on recent clinical trials and preclinical studies for efficacy assessment. Our findings reveal that stem cell therapy, particularly in combination with scaffolding materials, holds substantial promise for bone regeneration, spinal stability improvement, and pain mitigation. This integration of stem cell-based methods with conventional treatments may herald a new era in OVCF management, potentially improving patient outcomes. This review advocates for accelerated research and collaborative efforts to translate laboratory breakthroughs into clinical practice, emphasizing the revolutionary impact of regenerative therapies on OVCF management. In summary, this paper positions stem cell therapy at the forefront of innovation for OVCF treatment, stressing the importance of ongoing research and cross-disciplinary collaboration to unlock its full clinical potential.

Biomechanical study of different bone cement distribution on osteoporotic vertebral compression Fracture-A finite element analysis

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the biomechanical effects of different bone cement distribution methods on osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF).

Patients and methods

Raw CT data from a healthy male volunteer was used to create a finite element model of the T12-L2 vertebra using finite element software. A compression fracture was simulated in the L1 vertebra, and two forms of bone cement dispersion (integration group, IG, and separation group, SG) were also simulated. Six types of loading (flexion, extension, left/right bending, and left/right rotation) were applied to the models, and the stress distribution in the vertebra and intervertebral discs was observed. Additionally, the maximum displacement of the L1 vertebra was evaluated.

Results

Bone cement injection significantly reduced stress following L1 vertebral fractures. In the L1 vertebral body, the maximum stress of SG was lower than that of IG during flexion, left/right bending, and left/right rotation. In the T12 vertebral body, compared with IG, the maximum stress of SG decreased during flexion and right rotation. In the L2 vertebral body, the maximum stress of SG was the lowest under all loading conditions. In the T12-L1 intervertebral disc, compared with IG, the maximum stress of SG decreased during flexion, extension, and left/right bending and was basically the same during left/right rotation. However, in the L1-L2 intervertebral discs, the maximum stress of SG increased during left/right rotation compared with that of IG. Furthermore, the maximum displacement of SG was smaller than that of IG in the L1 vertebral bodies under all loading conditions.

Conclusions

SG can reduce the maximum stress in the vertebra and intervertebral discs, offering better biomechanical performance and improved stability than IG.

Analysis of Long-Term Medical Expenses in Vertebral Fracture Patients

Background

The objective of this study was to analyze the direct medical expenses of a vertebral fracture cohort (VC) and a matched cohort (MC) over 5 years preceding and following the fracture, analyze the duration of the rise in medical expenses due to the fracture, and examine whether the expenses vary with age group, utilizing a national claims database.

Methods

Subjects with vertebral fractures and matched subjects were chosen from the National Health Insurance Service Sample cohort (NHIS-Sample) of South Korea. Patients with vertebral fractures were either primarily admitted to acute care hospitals (index admissions) or those who received kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty during the follow-up period (2002-2015). A risk-set matching was performed using 1 : 5 random sampling to simulate a real-world situation. Individual-level direct medical expenses per quarter were calculated for 5 years prior and subsequent to the vertebral fracture. In this analysis using a comparative interrupted time series design, we examined the direct medical expenses of a VC and an MC.

Results

A total of 3,923 incident vertebral fracture patients and 19,615 matched subjects were included in this study. The mean age was 75.5 ± 7.4 years, and 69.5% were women. The mean difference in medical expenses between the two groups increased steadily before the fracture. The medical expenses of the VC peaked in the first quarter following the fracture. The cost changes were 1.82 times higher for the VC than for the MC (95% confidence interval, 1.62-2.04; p < 0.001) in the first year. Subsequently, there were no differential changes in medical expenses between the two groups (p > 0.05). In the < 70-year subgroup, there were no differential changes in medical expenses between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, in the ≥ 80-year subgroup, the cost changes for the VC were higher than those for the MC up to 5 years after time zero.

Conclusions

Based on our study results, we suggest that health and medical policies for vertebral fractures should be designed to last up to approximately 1 year after the fracture. Health policies should be differentiated according to age group.

A nomogram prediction model for refracture in elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures after percutaneous vertebroplasty

BACKGROUND

This study aims to evaluate the risk factors of refracture in elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) patients after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and construct a predictive nomogram model.

METHODS

Elderly symptomatic OVCF patients undergoing PVP were enrolled and grouped based on the development of refracture within 1 year postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors. Subsequently, a nomogram prediction model was constructed and evaluated based on these risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 264 elderly OVCF patients were enrolled in the final cohort. Among these, 48 (18.2%) patients had suffered refracture within 1 year after surgery. Older age, lower mean spinal BMD, multiple vertebral fracture, lower albumin/fibrinogen ratio (AFR), no postoperative regular anti-osteoporosis, and exercise were six independent risk factors identified for postoperative refracture. The AUC of the constructed nomogram model based on these six factors was 0.812 with a specificity and sensitivity of 0.787 and 0.750, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the nomogram model based on the six risk factors had clinical efficacy for refracture prediction.

Correlation Study Between Bone Cement Distribution and Adjacent Vertebral Fractures After Percutaneous Vertebroplasty

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the correlation between bone cement distribution and adjacent vertebral fractures (AVFs) after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent single-segment PVP for osteoporotic compression fractures in our hospital from January 2016 to January 2021 and divided the patients into 2 groups, A and B, on the basis of the criterion of whether there were AVFs of the operated vertebrae within 1 year after surgery. We compared the general data of the 2 groups, assessed the ability of 3 simple X-ray-based evaluation methods to predict the occurrence of AVF within 1 year after surgery and derived a simple and accurate evaluation method.

RESULTS

A total of 570 patients were included in this study: 511 patients in group A and 59 patients in group B. There were no statistical differences in the general data such as age, gender, and fracture site between the 2 groups. The posterior-anterior (PA), lateral (LAT), and PA and LAT methods showed receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) predicted postoperative AVF of 0.611, 0.691, and 0.714, respectively. The difference between the area under curve (AUC) of the PA method and LAT method was statistically significant (P = 0.0307), the difference between the AUC of PA method and PA and LAT method was statistically significant (P < 0.001), and the difference between the AUC of LAT method and PA and LAT method was not statistically significant (P = 0.3308).There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups of patients with PA method point of 1 and statistically different between patients with points of 2 and 3. There was statistical difference in points of 1, 2 and 3 in the LAT method between the 2 groups. There was a positive correlation between cement distribution scores and AVF by linear regression analysis of the 3 evaluation methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3 evaluation methods reliably predict AVF after PVP, with the LAT method, PA and LAT method being more predictive than the PA method, but the LAT method is simpler, with bone cement being widely distributed after crossing the midline in the PA method and contact with the upper and lower end plates in the LAT method being a risk factor for AVF.

Establishment and validation of a nomogram for predicting new fractures after PKP treatment of for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in the elderly individuals

BACKGROUND

To investigate the risk factors for new vertebral compression fractures (NVCFs) after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) and to create a nomogram to predict the occurrence of new postoperative fractures.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 529 OVCF patients who received PKP treatment in our hospital from June 2017 to June 2020. Based on whether there were new fractures within 2 years after surgery, the patients were divided into a new fracture group and a nonnew fracture group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the risk factors for the occurrence of NVCFs after surgery. The data were randomly divided into a training set (75%) and a testing set (25%). Nomograms predicting the risk of NVCF occurrence were created based on the results of the multivariate analysis, and performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs), calibration curves, and decision curve analyses (DCAs). A web calculator was created to give clinicians a more convenient interactive experience.

RESULTS

A total of 56 patients (10.6%) had NVCFs after surgery. The univariate analysis showed significant differences in sex and the incidences of cerebrovascular disease, a positive fracture history, and bone cement intervertebral leakage between the two groups (P < 0.05). The multivariate analysis showed that sex [OR = 2.621, 95% CI (1.030-6.673), P = 0.043], cerebrovascular disease [OR = 28.522, 95% CI (8.749-92.989), P = 0.000], fracture history [OR = 12.298, 95% CI (6.250-24.199), P = 0.000], and bone cement intervertebral leakage [OR = 2.501, 95% CI (1.029-6.082), P = 0.043] were independent risk factors that were positively associated with the occurrence of NVCFs. The AUCs of the model were 0.795 (95% CI: 0.716-0.874) and 0.861 (95% CI: 0.749-0.974) in the training and testing sets, respectively, and the calibration curves showed high agreement between the predicted and actual states. The areas under the decision curve were 0.021 and 0.036, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Female sex, cerebrovascular disease, fracture history and bone cement intervertebral leakage are risk factors for NVCF after PKP. Based on this, a highly accurate nomogram was developed, and a webpage calculator ( https://new-fracture.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/ ) was created.

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.

Development of a nomogram model for prediction of new adjacent vertebral compression fractures after vertebroplasty

BACKGROUND

Vertebroplasty is the main minimally invasive operation for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF), which has the advantages of rapid pain relief and shorter recovery time. However, new adjacent vertebral compression fracture (AVCF) occurs frequently after vertebroplasty. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors of AVCF and establish a clinical prediction model.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected the clinical data of patients who underwent vertebroplasty in our hospital from June 2018 to December 2019. The patients were divided into a non-refracture group (289 cases) and a refracture group (43 cases) according to the occurrence of AVCF. The independent predictive factors for postoperative new AVCF were determined by univariate analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression, and multivariable logistic regression analysis. A nomogram clinical prediction model was established based on relevant risk factors, and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the prediction effect and clinical value of the model. After internal validation, patients who underwent vertebroplasty in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2020, including a non-refracture group (156 cases) and a refracture group (21 cases), were included as the validation cohort to evaluate the prediction model again.

RESULTS

Three independent risk factors of low bone mass density (BMD), leakage of bone cement and "O" shaped distribution of bone cement were screened out by LASSO regression and logistic regression analysis. The area under the curve (AUC) of the model in the training cohort and the validation cohort was 0.848 (95%CI: 0.786-0.909) and 0.867 (95%CI: 0.796-0.939), respectively, showing good predictive ability. The calibration curves showed the correlation between prediction and actual status. The DCA showed that the prediction model was clinically useful within the whole threshold range.

CONCLUSION

Low BMD, leakage of bone cement and "O" shaped distribution of bone cement are independent risk factors for AVCF after vertebroplasty. The nomogram prediction model has good predictive ability and clinical benefit.

Percutaneous Curved Vertebroplasty and Bilateral-Pedicle-Approach Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of percutaneous curved vertebroplasty procedure (PCVP) and bilateral-pedicle-approach percutaneous vertebroplasty (bPVP) for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific literature.

Methods

A systematic review of the scientific literature in PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang and other databases was conducted in conjunction with different keywords. Nine studies were included; all but 3 were randomised controlled studies and all were prospective or retrospective cohort studies.

Results

We observed statistically significant differences between the PCVP group and the bPCVP group in terms of postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (mean difference [MD]: -.08; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: -.15 to .00), bone cement leakage rates (OR = .33; 95%CI: .20 to .54), bone cement injection (MD: -1.52; 95%CI: -1.58 to 1.45), operative times (MD: -16.69; 95%CI: -17.40 to -15.99) and intraoperative fluoroscopies (MD: -8.16; 95%CI: -9.56 to -6.67), with the PCVP group being more dominant. There were no statistical differences in postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores (MD: -.72; 95%CI: -2.11 to .67) and overall bone cement distribution rates (MD: 2.14; 95%CI: .99 to 4.65) between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Meta-analysis showed more favourable outcomes in the PCVP group compared to the bPVP group. PCVP might be effective and safe in the treatment of OVCFs because it relieves postoperative patient pain, reduces operative time and cement injection, and decreases the risk of cement leakage and radiation exposure to the surgeon and patient.

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures caused by Cushing's syndrome in young women: case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Cushing's syndrome is known as an important cause of secondary osteoporosis, characterized by reduction of bone mineral density and potential occurrence of fragility fractures before diagnosis in young population. Therefore, for young patients with fragility fractures, especially in young women, more attention should be paid on glucocorticoid excess caused by Cushing's syndrome, due to relatively higher rate of misdiagnosis, distinct pathological characteristics and different treatment strategies compared with violent fractures and primary osteoporosis related fractures.

CASE PRESENTATION

We presented an unusual case of a 26-year-old woman with multiple vertebral compression fractures and pelvis fractures, subsequently diagnosed as Cushing's syndrome. On admission, the radiographic results showed fresh second lumbar vertebra fracture, and old fourth lumbar vertebra and pelvic fractures. The dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of lumbar spine revealed marked osteoporosis, and her plasm cortisol was extremely high. Then, Cushing's syndrome, caused by left adrenal adenoma, was diagnosed by further endocrinological and radiographic examinations. After receiving left adrenalectomy, her plasma ACTH and cortisol values returned to normal level. In term of OVCF, we adopted conservative treatments, including pain management, brace treatment, and anti-osteoporosis measures. Three months after discharge, the patient's low back pain was in complete remission without new onset of pain, and returned to normal life and work. Furthermore, we reviewed the literatures on advancements in the treatment of OVCF caused by Cushing's syndrome, and based on our experiences, proposed some additional perspectives to guide treatment.

CONCLUSION

In term of OVCF secondary to Cushing's syndrome without neurological damage, we prefer systematic conservative treatments, including pain management, brace treatment, and anti-osteoporosis measures, to surgical treatment. Among them, anti-osteoporosis treatment has the highest priority because of the reversibility of osteoporosis caused by Cushing's syndrome.

Comparison of the effectiveness of different machine learning algorithms in predicting new fractures after PKP for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

BACKGROUND

The use of machine learning has the potential to estimate the probability of a second classification event more accurately than traditional statistical methods, and few previous studies on predicting new fractures after osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) have focussed on this point. The aim of this study was to explore whether several different machine learning models could produce better predictions than logistic regression models and to select an optimal model.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 529 patients who underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for OVCFs at our institution between June 2017 and June 2020 was performed. The patient data were used to create machine learning (including decision trees (DT), random forests (RF), support vector machines (SVM), gradient boosting machines (GBM), neural networks (NNET), and regularized discriminant analysis (RDA)) and logistic regression models (LR) to estimate the probability of new fractures occurring after surgery. The dataset was divided into a training set (75%) and a test set (25%), and machine learning models were built in the training set after ten cross-validations, after which each model was evaluated in the test set, and model performance was assessed by comparing the area under the curve (AUC) of each model.

RESULTS

Among the six machine learning algorithms, except that the AUC of DT [0.775 (95% CI 0.728-0.822)] was lower than that of LR [0.831 (95% CI 0.783-0.878)], RA [0.953 (95% CI 0.927-0.980)], GBM [0.941 (95% CI 0.911-0.971)], SVM [0.869 (95% CI 0.827-0.910), NNET [0.869 (95% CI 0.826-0.912)], and RDA [0.890 (95% CI 0.851-0.929)] were all better than LR.

CONCLUSIONS

For prediction of the probability of new fracture after PKP, machine learning algorithms outperformed logistic regression, with random forest having the strongest predictive power.

Vertebral refracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with and without brace wearing: A retrospective study of 300 patients

Background

The aim of the study was to examine the clinical incidence rate of vertebral body fractures after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) with and without brace wearing and provide a new guiding ideology for preventing vertebral fractures after clinical surgeries.

Methods

The retrospective analysis included 100 outpatients who underwent PVP between January 2017 and December 2018 without bracing after PVP surgeries (non-brace-wearing group). In total, 100 patients were paired into the rigid brace group and 100 patients were paired into the soft braces group according to propensity score matching. Seven independent variables were used in the soft and rigid brace group: age, sex, body mass index (BMI), visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Cobb angle. The VAS, ODI, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were recorded preoperatively on the second day, after 1 month, after 3 months, and during the last follow-up postoperatively. We recorded the incidence of vertebral refracture in each of the three groups of patients and evaluated the effect of braces on postoperative fractures based on the ODI, VAS, and JOA scores.

Results

All patients were followed up for 8-24 months (mean 22.4 months). Compared with the preoperative values, the age, sex, BMI, bone density, ODI, VAS, and Cobb angle between refracture and non-refracture were not statistically significant. The VAS, ODI, and JOA scores significantly increased in the brace-wearing group compared with those of the non-brace-wearing group (p < 0.05). The incidence of vertebral refracture in the brace-wearing group was lower than that in the non-brace-wearing group, between which there was a significant difference (p < 0.05). Three months postoperatively, the JOA score of the soft brace group was significantly higher than that of the rigid brace group (p < 0.05). During the last follow-up, it was found that there was no difference in the VAS score, the incidence of refracture, or ODI between the soft brace group and the rigid brace group (p > 0.05). The improvement in the JOA score of the soft brace group was better than that of the rigid brace group, between which there was a significant difference (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Braces can improve the prognosis of quality of life and postoperative subjective perception, whose presence can relieve postoperative residual pains. In contrast, patients can have a better medical experience wearing a soft brace.

Association between opportunistic vertebral bone density measurements and new vertebral fractures after percutaneous vertebral cementoplasty: a case-control study

OBJECTIVES

To study the relationship between opportunistic CT bone density measurements and the occurrence of new vertebral fractures after percutaneous vertebral cementoplasty (PVC) of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF).

METHODS

A prospective analysis of retrospective data of 275 patients with OVCF treated by PVC between 2014 and 2019 with a clinico-radiological follow-up one year after treatment was conducted. Opportunistic bone density measurements were obtained at the trabecular bone of the L1 or an adjacent vertebra in Hounsfield units performed on the preoperative CT study. These density measurements values ​​were then compared between patients with and without new OCVF and in various population subgroups.

RESULTS

There were 275 patients included, with 53 (19%) presenting a new OCVF and 24 (9%) developing a fracture cascade. The median opportunistic density measurements ​​in patients with recurrent OCVF were lower than those without (median 52[40.5]) HU and 77[49] HU)(p < 0.00001). Among the patients with new OVCF the median opportunistic density measurements in patients with fracture cascades were also lower than those without (44 HU and 62 HU, respectively) (p < 0.0096). Patients with density measurements under 61 HU were 3.6 times more likely to present recurrent fractures and those with density under 54 HU were 9.8 times more likely to develop a fracture cascade. The 36 HU threshold yielded a high specificity (90-91%) for the prediction of recurrent fractures and fracture cascade but with low sensitivity (respectively 26% and 37%).

CONCLUSION

Low opportunistic vertebral density measurements are associated with a higher risk of OVCF and fracture cascades after PVC.

KEY POINTS

• Low opportunistic density measurements are associated with a higher risk of OVCF and fracture cascades after PVC. • Measuring bone density before performing a PVC could help predict the risk of new vertebral fracture after treatment • Patient management could be adapted according to bone density.

Predictive Factors for Bone Cement Displacement following Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation in Kümmell's Disease

Objective: To investigate the independent influencing factors of bone cement displacement following percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) in patients with stage I and stage II Kümmell’s disease. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 824 patients with stage Ⅰ and stage Ⅱ Kümmell’s disease treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or percutaneous vertebroplasty (PKP) from January 2016 to June 2022. Patients were divided into the postoperative bone cement displacement group (n = 150) and the bone cement non-displacement group (n = 674) according to the radiographic inspection results. The following data were collected: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), underlying disease, bone mineral density (BMD), involved vertebral segment, Kümmell’s disease staging, anterior height, local Cobb angle, the integrity of anterior vertebral cortex, the integrity of endplate in surgical vertebrae, surgical method, surgical approach, the volume of cement, distribution of cement, the viscosity of cement, cement leakage, and postoperative anti-osteoporosis treatment. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent influencing factors of bone cement displacement. The discrimination ability was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Results: The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that thoracolumbar junction (odds ratio (OR) = 3.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.12−4.50, p = 0.011), Kümmell’s disease staging (OR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.81−3.41, p < 0.001), anterior cortex defect (OR = 5.34, 95% CI 3.53−7.21, p < 0.001), vertebral endplates defect (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.35−0.71, p < 0.001), cement distribution (OR = 2.86, 95% CI 2.03−3.52, p = 0.002), cement leakage (OR = 4.59, 95% CI 3.85−5.72, p < 0.001), restoration of local Cobb angle (OR = 3.17, 95% CI 2.40−5.73, p = 0.024), and postoperative anti-osteoporosis treatment (OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.18−0.72, p = 0.025) were independently associated with the bone cement displacement. The results of the ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC was 0.816 (95% CI 0.747−0.885), the sensitivity was 0.717, and the specificity was 0.793. Conclusion: Thoracolumbar fracture, stage Ⅱ Kümmell’s disease, anterior cortex defect, uneven cement distribution, cement leakage, and high restoration of the local Cobb angle were risk factors for cement displacement after PVA in Kümmell’s disease, while vertebral endplates defect and postoperative anti-osteoporosis treatment are protective factors.

Clinical Characteristics of Elderly People with Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture Based on a 12-Year Single-Center Experience in Korea

In an aging human population, osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) frequently occurs. We conducted this retrospective study to analyze the clinical characteristics of elderly people with OVCF who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty over a 12-year period at a single medical center in Korea. Between 2007 and 2019, A total of 868 patients (n = 868) were treated at our institution. We assessed 600 of these patients as eligible for study purposes and divided them into three groups: Group A (spine and hip T-scores ≤-2.5; n = 332); Group B (spine T-scores ≤-2.5; n = 189); and Group C (hip T-scores ≤-2.5; n = 79). The baseline characteristics of the patients included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), past history of steroid use, alcohol consumption, use of osteoporosis therapy, smoking, and treatment for OVCF. We compared these characteristics between the three groups. We found that the mean patient age was significantly higher in Group A, compared with Group B, and significantly lower in Group B, compared with Group C. We also found significant differences in the male-to-female ratio and mean body mass index between the three groups. In conclusion, we suggest that special attention should be paid to factors closely associated with spine and hip T-scores when evaluating elderly people with OVCF and determining appropriate treatment.

Treatment of Elderly Patients with Acute Symptomatic OVCF: A Study of Comparison of Conservative Treatment and Percutaneous Kyphoplasty

Objective

The present study was designed for the contrastive analysis of conservative and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) on pain severity and recovery of injured vertebrae in elderly patients with acute symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).

Methods

A total of 60 elderly patients with acute symptomatic OVCF were divided into two groups according to different treatment protocols, with 30 patients in each group. Patients in the Con group received conservative treatment, while patients in the PKP group received percutaneous kyphoplasty treatment. Clinical evaluation included the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Dallas pain questionnaire, the vertebral body leading edge height, the Cobb angle of injured vertebrae, the MOS item short-form health survey (SF-36), the Barthel index, and the mini-mental state examination (MMSE).

Results

At 3 days, 3 months, and 6 months post-treatment, the score of VAS and the Cobb angle of injured vertebrae in patients of the PKP group were all significantly lower than those in the Con group (P &lt; 0.05), while the height of vertebral body leading edge in patients of the PKP group was significantly longer than that in the Con group (P &lt; 0.05). At 6 months post-treatment, the scores of the four dimensions of the Dallas pain questionnaire scale in the PKP group were all significantly lower than those in the Con group (P &lt; 0.05), while the score of SF-36 (PCS), SF-36 (MCS), and Barthel index in patients of the PKP group were all significantly lower than those in the Con group (P &lt; 0.05), and there was no significant difference in the scores of MMSE between these two groups (P &gt; 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with conservative treatment, PKP treatment of elderly patients with acute symptomatic OVCF provides rapid pain relief, restoration of damaged vertebral body height, correction of Cobb's angle, and improved quality of life.

Establishment and Validation of a Nomogram for the Risk of New Vertebral Compression Fractures After Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Patients With Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Retrospective Study

Purpose

New vertebral compression fractures(NVCFs) after minimally invasive surgery in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) is a challenging issue worldwide. Predicting the occurrence of NVCFs is key to addressing such questions. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the risk factors for patients who developed NVCFs after undergoing surgical treatment and establish a nomogram model to reduce the occurrence of NVCFs.

Methods

This study is a retrospective analysis that collected the general characteristics and surgical features of patients who underwent surgical treatment at 2 central institutions between January 2017 and December 2020. Patients were divided into training and testing sets based on the presence or absence of NVCFs. Independent risk factors for NVCFs were obtained in the training set of patients, and then a nomogram model was constructed. Internal and external validation of the nomogram model was performed using the consistency index (C index), receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

A total of 562 patients were included in this study. Patients from the first center were used for nomogram construction and internal validation, and patients from the second center were used as an external validation population. Multivariate regression analysis showed that age, Hounsfield unit (Hu) value, cement leakage, and thoracolumbar (TL) junction fracture were independent risk factors for NVCFs after minimally invasive surgery. The C index was .85, and the validation of internal and external validation shows that the predicted values of the established model is in good agreement with the actual values.

Conclusions

In this study, 4 independent risk factors were obtained by regression analysis, and a nomogram model was constructed to guide clinical work. The application of this model can help surgeons to make more accurate judgments to prevent the occurrence of NVCFs.

Risk factors of new vertebral compression fracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty or percutaneous kyphoplasty

BACKGROUND

New vertebral compression fracture (VCF) may occur in patients who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). However, the risk factors of new VCF remain controversial. The research aimed to analyze the risk factors of new VCF after PVP or PKP.

METHODS

From August 2019 to March 2021, we retrospectively analyzed the patients who underwent PVP or PKP for OVCF at our institution. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking, drinking, hypertension, diabetes, fracture location, surgical method, Hounsfield unit (HU) value, preoperative degree of anterior vertebral compression (DAVC), bisphosphonates, bone cement volume, bone cement leakage, and cement distribution were collected. The risk factors were obtained by univariate and multivariate analysis of the data.

RESULTS

A total of 247 patients were included in the study. There were 23 patients (9.3%) with new VCF after PVP or PKP. Univariate analysis showed that age (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.002), fracture location (p = 0.030), and a low HU value (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with new VCF after PVP or PKP. A low HU value was an independent risk factor for new VCF after PVP or PKP obtained by multivariate regression analysis (OR = 0.963; 95% CI, 0.943-0.984, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, a low HU value was an independent risk factor of new VCF after PVP or PKP.