Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture Treatment by Unilateral Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Using Curved Diffusion Needle

Objective

To investigate the clinical effect of unilateral puncture vertebroplasty with curved diffusion needle (CDN) in the treatment of thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCFs).

Methods

We used the method of a retrospective study. The clinical data of 38 patients with OVCFs treated by unilateral puncture vertebroplasty with curved diffusion needle from January 2021 to January 2022 were analyzed. The operation time and the amount of bone cement injected were recorded to observe the leakage and dispersion of bone cement during the operation and the incidence of vertebral re-fracture at the last follow-up. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate the pain and functional improvement before and after surgery.

Results

All patients successfully completed the operation. The operation time was 31.2 ± 5.1 min, and the bone cement injection volume was 4.8 ± 1.1 ml. During the operation, three patients had bone cement leakage, and the leakage rate was 7.8%. The bone cement dispersion was excellent in 31 cases, among which seven cases were good; the postoperative follow-up time was 3-10 months, with an average of 6.3 months; no vertebral body re-fracture occurred. VAS score and ODI at 1d after the operation and at the last follow-up were significantly improved compared with those before the operation, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Also there was a significant difference between the postoperative 1d and the last follow-up (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Unilateral puncture vertebroplasty for the treatment of thoracolumbar OVCFs can obtain good bone cement distribution, safety and does not increase complications, and the clinical effect is satisfactory.