Minimally Invasive Pedicle Screw Fixation, Including the Fractured Vertebra, Combined with Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Treatment of Acute Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Compression Fracture in Middle-Age and Elderly Individuals

Background: To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of minimally invasive pedicle screw (MIPS) fixation, including the fractured vertebra, combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for the treatment of acute thoracolumbar osteoporotic compression fracture in middle-age and elderly individuals. Methods: : Between January 2016 and August 2019, a total of 30 patients, with a mean age of 69.4 years (range, 58–75 years), who experienced thoracic or lumbar fracture without neurological deficits, underwent the MIPS procedure combined with PVP. Preoperative and postoperative pain were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Cobb angles and anterior column height were measured on lateral radiographs before surgery and at 3 days, 1, 3, and 6 months, and 1 and 2 years at final follow-up after surgery. Results: : All patients underwent surgery successfully, with a mean follow-up of 18.2 ± 5.7 months (range, 12–45 months). Mean preoperative VAS score decreased from 7.3±2.2 to 1.4±0.3 at the final follow-up (p<0.05). Mean preoperative ODI decreased from 84.2±10.3 to 18.8±7.5 (p<0.05) at the final follow-up. The Kyphosis angle of operative segment was improved from preoperative (21.38±1.68)° to(4.01 ± 1.38)°3 days postoperatively and(5.02±1.09)°at final follow up ( p <0.05).The anterior vertebral height was improved from preoperative(49.86±6.50)% to(94.01±1.79)% 3 days postoperatively and (91.80±1.88)% at final follow up ( p <0.05). No significant changes in vertebral body height restoration were observed during 2 years of follow-up after surgery. In addition, there were no instrumentation failures or complications in any of the patients. Conclusions: : MIPS, including the fractured vertebra, combined with PVP, was a reliable and safe procedure, with satisfactory clinical and radiological results for the treatment of thoracolumbar osteoporotic compression fracture in patients without neurological deficits.