Cement leakage as a possible complication of balloon kyphoplasty--is there a difference between osteoporotic compression fractures (AO type A1) and incomplete burst fractures (AO type A3.1)?

Is there a risk of further displacement of the fractured fragment into the spinal canal in osteoporotic vertebral burst fractures after unilateral PKP? A prospective study

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

The optimal treatment for osteoporotic vertebral burst fracture (OVBF) without neurological symptoms is still a matter of debate.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for OVBF.

STUDY DESIGN

The study is a prospective study and is registered in the China Clinical Trials Registry with the registration number ChiCTR-OOC-17013227.

PATIENT SAMPLE

The study involved 119 patients with 137 fractured vertebrae who underwent unilateral PKP for OVBF.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The measurements were carried out independently by two physicians and measured with picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA).

METHODS

The change in the spinal canal area and posterior wall protrusions (PWP) were measured before and after surgery via three-dimensional computed tomographic imaging (CT). Preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up standing X-rays were used to measure the height of the anterior wall (HAW), height of the posterior wall (HPW), and local kyphotic angle (LKA). Additionally, visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were also determined.

RESULTS

Among the 137 vertebrae assessed, 79 exhibited an increased postoperative canal area, while 57 showed a decrease, with mean values of 8.28±6.871 mm² and -9.04±5.991 mm², respectively. Notably, no significant change in postoperative canal area was identified on the entire dataset (p>.01). There was a significant decrease between median preoperative (3.9 [IQ1-IQ3=3.3-4.8] mm) and postoperative (3.7 [IQ1-IQ3=3.0-4.4] mm) PWP (p<.01). Preoperative and postoperative HAW measurements were 19.4±6.1 mm and 23.2±5.2 mm, respectively (p<.01). However, at the final follow-up, the HAW was lower than the postoperative value. The HPW was also significantly improved after surgery (p<.01), but at the final follow-up, it was significantly decreased compared with the postoperative measurement. Following surgery, KA was significantly corrected (p<.01); however, at the final follow-up, relapse was detected (average KA: 18.4±10.3°). At the final follow-up, both VAS and ODI were significantly improved compared with the preoperative period (p<.01). As for complications, 50 patients experienced cement leakage, and 16 patients experienced vertebral refracture. All patients did not develop neurological symptoms during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

OVBF without neurological deficits showed significant improvement in symptoms during the postoperative period after PKP. There was no notable alteration in the spinal canal area, but a significant decrease in PWP was observed. Consequently, we posit that PKP stands as a secure and efficacious surgical intervention for treating OVBF cases devoid of neurological symptoms.

Truths and myths about augmentation techniques in the treatment of fragility fractures

The main event of osteoporosis is fragility fractures. Vertebral compression fractures are the most commonly fragility fracture related to osteoporosis. Our goal is to review the available literature to confirm or deny concepts learned about spinal cementation and adapt our clinical practice according to scientific evidence. In the complex world of spine surgery, constant innovations seek to improve the quality of life of patients. Among these, vertebral augmentation has emerged as an increasingly popular technique, but often shrouded in myths and misunderstandings. In this systematic review, we will thoroughly explore the truths behind vertebral augmentation, unraveling common myths and providing a clear insight into this technique. As specialists in the field, it is crucial to understand the reality surrounding these interventions to offer our patients the best possible information and make informed decisions.

Treatment of multisegmental vertebral compression, burst fractures, and sandwich vertebra with severe osteoporosis using the PKP technique: a case report and literature review

This study aimed to present a special case of treatment of a patient with multisegmental vertebral compression fracture, burst fracture, and sandwich vertebra and to review the literature on this condition. An 85 year-old female presented with severe low back pain but no radiating pain in the lower extremities. The patient was diagnosed with T12 and L5 vertebral compression fractures, fresh vertebral burst fractures in L2 and L3, and osteoporosis. The focus was on formulating a surgical treatment strategy. At the 12 month follow-up, no neurological deficits were observed, and the chosen surgical treatment approach yielded favorable clinical outcomes. A comprehensive literature review indicates that percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) can effectively alleviate pain and ensure safety in managing osteoporotic vertebral burst fractures. While complications remain a theoretical risk, they can be mitigated through meticulous assessment, careful surgical procedures, and appropriate preventive measures. PKP is an effective and safe treatment modality for osteoporotic vertebral burst fractures. Conservative management of sandwich vertebrae can yield positive clinical outcomes, but regular anti-osteoporosis treatment is necessary.

Beyond Pain Relief: An In-Depth Review of Vertebral Height Restoration After Balloon Kyphoplasty in Vertebral Compression Fractures

This comprehensive review delves into the intricate landscape of vertebral height restoration after balloon kyphoplasty in cases of vertebral compression fractures. With a comprehensive examination of procedural intricacies, radiological evaluations, clinical outcomes, and influential factors, a nuanced comprehension unfolds. Beyond its immediate alleviation of pain, vertebral height restoration emerges as a linchpin in enhancing spinal alignment, fostering functional recuperation, and augmenting the overall quality of life. This review underscores the pivotal role of balloon kyphoplasty, transcending its mere medical utility to become a conduit for renewed independence and well-being among individuals grappling with vertebral compression fractures. The ongoing advancements in medical science and the continued pursuit of research stand poised to amplify the significance of vertebral height restoration, manifesting a promising horizon for individuals seeking respite from pain, a revitalised capacity for movement, and a life unburdened by its constraints.

Risk of Revision After Vertebral Augmentation for Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture: A Narrative Review

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) can hinder physical motor function, daily activities, and the quality of life in elderly patients when treated conservatively. Vertebral augmentation, which includes vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty, is a commonly used procedure for OVFs. However, there have been reports of complications. Although serious complications are rare, there have been instances of adjacent vertebral fractures, cement dislocation, and insufficient pain relief due to cement failure, sometimes necessitating revision surgery. This narrative review discusses the common risks associated with vertebral augmentation for OVFs, such as cement leakage and adjacent vertebral fractures, and highlights the risk of revision surgery. The pooled incidence of revision surgery was 0.04 (0.02-0.06). The risks for revision are reported as follows: female sex, advanced age, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, blindness or low vision, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, split type fracture, large angular motion, and large endplate deficit. Various treatment strategies exist for OVFs, but they remain a subject of controversy. Current literature underscores the lack of substantial evidence to guide treatment strategies based on the risks of vertebral augmentation. In cases with a high risk of failure, other surgeries and conservative treatments should also be considered as treatment options.

Early experience with percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture in Nepal: A case report

Key Clinical Message

Balloon kyphoplasty is a promising treatment option for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with posterior cortical defect, offering pain relief, vertebral height restoration, and low risk of cement leakage.

Abstract

Millions of people worldwide suffer from osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) annually, which cause pain and functional limitations, particularly in the elderly. Conservative treatments such as pain management, rest, and medication are frequently used, while surgical options such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are considered. We present a case of 68-year-old female with vertebral compression fracture of L1 vertebra with posterior cortical defect and posterior wall retropulsion. She was treated successfully with balloon kyphoplasty. Kyphoplasty appears to be a better option than vertebroplasty in cases with posterior cortical defect due to lower chance of cement leakage.

Open Surgery for Osteoporotic Compression Fracture Within One Month of Single Level Balloon Kyphoplasty

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the reasons for open surgery performed within one month of balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) for osteoporotic compression fractures.

Methods

This study included 15 patients treated with open surgery within one month of BKP in our institution from 2013 to 2020. Among them, 10 patients underwent BKP in our institution and 5 patients were transferred because of adverse events after undergoing BKP at another hospital. Clinical findings including main indications, neurological deficits, and clinical course were analyzed.

Results

All patients were followed up for at least 12 months after surgery (average time 15.5 months, range 12-39 months). Their mean age was 73.7 years and the mean T-score of the spine on bone densitometry was -3.35. The main reasons for open surgery included dislodgement of the cement mass or spinal instability (7 cases, 47%), neural injury due to cement leakage (3 cases, 20%), and spinal cord injury caused by a puncture mistake (3 cases, 20%). Two patients developed acute spinal subdural hematoma, and spinal epidural fluid was pushed out at the back edge of the vertebral body following BKP without signs of major cement leakage into the spinal canal. At the final follow-up, 7 patients with cement mass dislodgement showed complete improvement of related symptoms after posterior fusion with screw fixation. Among the 8 patients with neural injury, 6 improved; however, 2 remained at the same American Spinal Injury Association level.

Conclusion

The main reasons for open surgery were cement mass dislodgement and neural injury caused by puncture errors or cement leakage into the spinal canal. It should be noted that proper selection of cases, detailed imaging evaluation, and optimal surgical techniques are key to reducing open surgery after BKP.

Unsubtracted Roadmap Technique for Preventing Cement Leakage During Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of the unsubtracted roadmap technique (USRT) for decreasing cement leakage (CL) during percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP).

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent PVP between January and November 2018 were included. Patients were divided into the unsubtracted roadmap (UR) (n = 20) and conventional venography (CV) (n = 22) groups. USRT was performed before cement injection in the UR group. Computed tomography was performed on the first day after PVP in both groups to assess the CL. The vertebral height restoration rate was confirmed by radiography before and after the procedure. The CL location was classified as basivertebral vein (type B), segmental vein (type S), or cortical defect (type C). Visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores before and after surgery were calculated to confirm clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Based on the computed tomography images, CL occurred in 7 (34.78%) and 15 (63.64%) cases in the UR and CV groups, respectively. Number of CL type B, S, and C in the UR and CV groups were 2 and 6, 3 and 6, and 2 and 3, respectively. The injected cement volume was not significantly different between the UR (4.86 mL) and the CV (4.75 mL) groups (P = 0.450). Regarding vertebral body height restoration (P = 0.856) and clinical outcomes, there were no significant differences between both groups. Radiation exposure was significantly less in the UR group (P = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

USRT is an effective method for reducing CL and radiation exposure during PVP.

Unilateral Percutaneous Kyphoplasty Using a Novel Guide Device for Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture

OBJECTIVES

Unilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty (UPKP) has been effective in reducing the operative time, cement volume, and cement leakage (CL) rate compared with bilateral kyphoplasty. However, no device can help to determine the trajectory during operation, especially the inner inclination angle. To assess the safety and efficacy of a novel guide device (GD) for UPKP in the treatment of thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral fractures (TLOVFs).

METHODS

From January 2019 to May 2021, 31 patients diagnosed with single TLOVF who underwent UPKP were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: traditional UPKP (UPKP group, 15 patients) and UPKP assisted with GD (UPKP-GD group, 16 patients). Pre-procedure demographic, clinical and radiologic characteristics, operative procedure details, and clinical and radiologic outcomes at 1 day and 12 months post-procedure were collected. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS 24.0. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were compared by the independent sample t test or the χ² test. The anterior height or local kyphotic angle (LKA) of the fractured vertebrae, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) within groups were compared using the paired t test.

RESULTS

A total of 31 patients (five men and 26 women; age range: 58-90 years) completed the full 12-month postoperative follow-up schedule. No significant differences were observed between treatment groups with respect to sex, age, body mass index, preoperative bone mineral density, or surgical level. Compared with the UPKP group, the operation time in the UPKP-GD group was significantly shorter (40.8 ± 5.5 min vs. 48.5 ± 8.5 min, p = 0.005), and the number of intraoperative fluoroscopy times in the UPKP-GD group was significantly decreased (20.6 ± 4.5 vs. 25.2 ± 2.4, p = 0.001). Five (31.3%) patients in the UPKP-GD group and four (26.7%) patients in the UPKP group had bone CL. The VAS and ODI scores, anterior height and LKA of the fractured vertebrae were significantly improved after surgery in each group. No significant differences in postoperative VAS and ODI scores, anterior height or LKA of the fractured vertebrae, volume of injected cement or CL were observed between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Unilateral puncture using a novel GD is a safe and effective technique for patients with TLFs and UPKP assisted with a novel GD is associated with fewer intraoperative fluoroscopy times and shorter operation time.

Treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures: SpineJack vs. posterior arthrodesis-comparison of clinical and radiological outcomes

BACKGROUND

Thoracolumbar fractures sometimes require anterior support and post-traumatic deformity correction. SpineJack proved favorable results in cadaveric and clinical studies, with satisfactory pain relief, vertebral height restoration, and low rates of above adjacent fractures, in neurologically intact fractures. We compared patients' clinical and radiological outcomes of thoracolumbar fractures treated either with posterior arthrodesis or SpineJack.

METHODS

We prospectively collected A2 split and A3, and A4 burst fractures between 2017 and 2021. Patients were stratified in posterior arthrodesis (PA group) and SpineJack (SJ group) and included if age ≥18 years, T11-L3 level, emergent or elective surgery, single or multiple, and neurologically intact. Age, sex, type and level, pain, operative and discharge time, vertebral body heights (VBH), posterior wall retropulsion (PWR), vertebral kyphosis (VK) and local kyphosis (LK) angles, vertebral body (VB) volume, and complications were collected. We then compared clinical-radiographic outcomes between the two groups.

RESULTS

We found no significant differences in median postoperative pain while operative time and discharge time were shorter for SJ patients than PA ones (P<0.001). Mean anterior VBH increase was 20.7%, mid-VBH was 25.5%, and posterior VBH was 8.8%, while increase in VB volume was 26.2%. SJ patients had non-inferior VK e LK angles correction to PA ones. Mean PWR value between pre and post SJ implantation was 0.15±0.65 mm, and no adjacent above-level fractures occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed satisfactory outcomes in a selected range of neurologically intact thoracolumbar split or burst fractures. SJ leads to shorter operative and discharge time and good VB angles and diameters restoration.

Reliability Evaluation of the New AO Spine-DGOU Classification for Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Fractures

OBJECTIVES

To perform an interobserver and intraobserver agreement evaluation of the new AO Spine-DGOU classification system for osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures (OFc).

METHODS

Complete imaging studies of 97 patients (radiographs, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging) with osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures were selected and classified using the OFc by 6 spine surgeons (3 senior surgeons with more than 15 years of experience and 3 surgeons with less than 15 years). After a 4-week interval, the same cases were presented to the same evaluators in a random sequence for a new classification assessment. The weighted kappa coefficient (wκ) was used to determine the interobserver and intraobserver agreement.

RESULTS

The interobserver agreement was moderate, wκ = 0.59 (95% confidence interval 0.54-0.64). The intraobserver agreement was fair, wκ = 0.35 (95% confidence interval 0.29-0.40). Interobserver agreement slightly improved for junior staff between first and second evaluation, suggesting a learning effect. Better agreement was obtained by senior staff at the interobserver and intraobserver agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

This independent assessment demonstrated that new OFc allows moderate interobserver agreement and fair intraobserver agreement. Further studies are necessary prior to its widespread adoption.

Safety and efficacy studies of kyphoplasty, mesh-container-plasty, and pedicle screw fixation plus vertebroplasty for thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral burst fractures

Background

Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP), percutaneous mesh-container-plasty (PMCP), and pedicle screw fixation plus vertebroplasty (PSFV) were three methods for osteoporotic vertebral burst fractures (OVBF). The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of PKP, PMCP, and PSFV for OVBFs.

Methods

This retrospective study included 338 consecutive patients with thoracolumbar OVBFs who underwent PKP (n = 111), PMCP (n = 109), or PSFV (n = 118) and compared their epidemiological data, surgical outcomes, and clinical and radiological features. Clinical evaluations of VAS and ODI and radiological evaluations of height restoration, deformity correction, cement leakage, and canal compromise were calculated preoperatively, postoperatively, and 2 years postoperatively.

Results

Cement leakage (31/111 vs. 13/109 and 16/118, P < 0.05) was significantly higher in group PKP than in groups PSFV and PMCP. VAS and ODI scores improved postoperatively from 7.04 ± 1.15 and 67.11 ± 13.49 to 2.27 ± 1.04 and 22.00 ± 11.20, respectively, in group PKP (P < 0.05); from 7.04 ± 1.29 and 67.26 ± 12.79 to 2.17 ± 0.98 and 21.01 ± 7.90, respectively, in group PMCP (P < 0.05); and from 7.10 ± 1.37 and 67.36 ± 13.11 to 3.19 ± 1.06 and 33.81 ± 8.81, respectively, in the PSFV group (P < 0.05). Moreover, postoperative VAS and ODI scores were significantly higher in group PSFV than in groups PKP and PMCP (P < 0.05). However, VAS scores were not significantly different in the three groups 2 years postoperatively (P > 0.05). Postoperative anterior (81.04 ± 10.18% and 87.51 ± 8.94% vs. 93.46 ± 6.42%, P < 0.05) and middle vertebral body height ratio (83.01 ± 10.16% and 87.79 ± 11.62% vs. 92.38 ± 6.00%, P < 0.05) were significantly higher in group PSFV than in groups PMCP and PKP. Postoperatively, Cobb angle (10.04 ± 4.26° and 8.16 ± 5.76° vs. 4.97 ± 4.60°, P < 0.05) and canal compromise (20.76 ± 6.32 and 19.85 ± 6.18 vs. 10.18 ± 6.99, P < 0.05) were significantly lower in group PSFV than in groups PMCP and PKP.

Conclusion

Despite relatively worse radiological results, PMCP is a safe and minimally invasive surgical method that can obtain better short-term clinical results than PKP and PSFV for OVBFs.

Is unilateral transverse process-pedicle percutaneous kyphoplasty a better choice for osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures in the old patients?

BACKGROUND

A few reports have shown that unilateral transverse process-pedicle percutaneous kyphoplasty is a good choice for patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). However, this issue remains controversial and the related comprehensive research was lacked.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on patients receiving PKP surgery for OVCF. Patients were divided into three groups according to surgical approach. Symptom and radiographical evaluation were performed preoperatively, 1-month postoperatively, 1-year postoperatively and follow-ups. And follow-ups were repeated every year. Visual Analogue Scale Score (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, anterior vertebral height, coronal Cobb angle and sagittal Cobb angle was determined and compared among three groups.

RESULTS

Totally 447 patients were included with an average age of 76.6 ± 7.2 years old. UTP showed significantly shorter surgical duration (p < 0.001), lower cement volume (p < 0.001) but higher cement leakage proportion (p = 0.044). No significant statistical difference was found in terms of improvement rates among three groups. Besides, it was notable that the a significantly higher coronal Cobb angle was observed in UTP group, and a about 4°coronal correction was found after UTP PKP.

CONCLUSION

UTTP PKP could achieve similar symptoms relief and kyphosis correction as UTP and BTP PKP. However, it had shorter surgical time and less radio exposure than BTP PKP, lower risk of cement leakage and higher proportion of bilaterally cement distribution than UTP PKP. It seemed to be a better choice for patients with OVCF. In addition, we found that UTP PKP was especially fit for OVCF patients with asymmetrical vertebral compression.

The outcome of expandable titanium mesh implants for the treatment of multi-level vertebral compression fractures caused by multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND

Painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) in myeloma patients severely reduce quality of life. Currently, the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) and National Institute of Clinical Excellence NICE advocate the use of either balloon kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty in the management of these fractures.

METHODS

All patients with VCFs and myeloma who adhered to the IMWG indications for vertebral augmentation were treated with the Osseofix^® implant. Visual analogue scores (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were taken preoperatively and at least one year following surgery. Cobb angle and implant migration were measured on lateral standing radiographs.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients (average age 62, SD = 11.6) consisting of 82 levels (range 3-8) were stabilised with no perioperative complications or revisions at one year. There was an improvement in patient-reported outcomes with the median preoperative VAS of 8.6 (IQR 7.3-10.0) reducing to 3 (IQR 1.0-4.0) after one year (P < 0.001) whilst an average improvement of 31.4 (SD = 19.6) points in the ODI scores was reported (P < 0.001). There was no significant collapse or implant failure at one year with a greater improvement in the VAS/ODI score, when more implants were used (P = 0.049 and 0.008, respectively). The average length of stay was 2.2 days (SD = 1.7).

CONCLUSION

The use of the Osseofix^® implant in VCFs caused by multiple myeloma has shown a statistically significant improvement in both pain and outcome scores. There were no complications or significant radiological deterioration of spinal alignment over the course of a year.

Safety and Efficacy of Balloon Kyphoplasty for Vertebral Fractures With Posterior Wall Disruption

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty (BK) is widely accepted as both a safe and effective method for the treatment of symptomatic benign vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) of the thoracic and lumbar spines. A disruption in the posterior wall of the affected vertebra is often considered to be a relative or an absolute contraindication to BK. This study was performed to determine the safety as well as the efficacy of BK for vertebral body compression fractures associated with posterior wall disruption.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, nonrandomized clinical cohort investigation of patients with VCF and posterior wall disruption treated with BK between 2010 and 2018. All cases were performed using a bipedicular technique. Each case was examined for cement leakage, anterior vertebral body height restoration, improvement in pain (determined by VAS) from baseline and 6-week postprocedure, and clinical sequelae from cement leakage.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight consecutive patients with 157 VCF levels who underwent BK were evaluated. There was a significant improvement in anterior vertebral height, vertebral wedge angle, and local kyphotic angle in all cases. The mean preoperative VAS improved from 8.7 preprocedure to 2.5 postprocedure (P = .001). There were 14 (9%) cases with asymptomatic cement leakage outside of the vertebral body, and no patients experienced postprocedure neurological symptoms at the 6-week follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

BK in the setting of posterior wall disruption was found to be a safe and highly effective treatment for patients with benign compression fractures. Posterior wall disruption should not be considered an absolute contraindication to BK.

Kyphoplasty versus percutaneous posterior instrumentation for osteoporotic vertebral fractures with posterior wall injury: a propensity score matched cohort study

Background

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) that present with posterior wall cortical injury pose a higher risk for instability. Surgical management includes standard cement augmentation techniques like balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) or percutaneous posterior instrumentation with pedicle screws (PS) or both. Neither treatment has yet demonstrated superiority, and posterior cement leakage is of special concern in these fractures.

Methods

At a single tertiary care center, 25 patients with 32 OVFs with posterior wall injury treated with percutaneous instrumentation and cement augmentation (PS group) were retrospectively included and matched (1:1) using propensity scores to 25 patients with 29 OVFs with posterior wall injury treated with standalone BKP (BKP group) from 2010 to 2018. Our primary study aim identified 30-day morbidity rates using a 4-point grading system by comparing BKP with and without percutaneous instrumentation with PS for the treatment of OVFs with posterior wall injury. Our secondary aims evaluated cement leakage, radiographic results, surgical time, length of stay (LOS), pain relief, and subsequent fractures.

Results

Overall 30-day morbidity was 34% and did not differ between groups (24% BKP vs. 44% PS groups, P=0.136). Most complications were mild (82.4%), requiring no interventions beyond drug treatment. In the PS group, a trend towards more mild complications was observed (16% vs. 40%, P=0.059). Moderate and severe complications affected 17.6% of all morbidity cases and were comparable between groups. Asymptomatic cement leakage into the spinal canal was noted in 2 (8%) BKP patients and symptomatic pulmonary cement embolism in 1 (4.8%) PS patient. Compared with baseline, all radiographic parameters significantly improved in both groups. In the BKP group, mean surgical times (52±32.9 vs. 164.9±48.4 minutes, P<0.001) and LOS (4.3±2.5 vs. 7±2.9 days, P<0.001) were significantly shorter, and use of opioids at discharge was significantly lower (52% vs. 84%, P=0.015). At 3-month follow-up, no differences between groups were seen in back pain, use of opioids, and occurrence of subsequent OVFs. Follow-up averaged 8.4 months.

Conclusions

Standalone BKP may be a viable option for the treatment of OVFs even in the presence of posterior wall cortical injury.

Risk factors for cement leakage and nomogram for predicting the intradiscal cement leakage after the vertebra augmented surgery

Background

Vertebral augmentation is the first-line treatment for the osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures. Bone cement leakage is the most common complication of this surgery. This study aims to assess the risk factors for different types of cement leakage and provides a nomogram for predicting the cement intradiscal leakage.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 268 patients who underwent vertebral augmentation procedure between January 2015 and March 2019. The cement leakage risk factors were evaluated by univariate analysis. Different types of cement leakage risk factors were identified by the stepwise logistic analysis. We provided a nomogram for predicting the cement intradiscal leakage and used the concordance index to assess the prediction ability.

Results

A total of 295 levels of vertebrae were included, with a leakage rate of 32.5%. Univariate analysis showed delayed surgery and lower vertebral compression ratio were the independent risk factors of cement leakage. The stepwise logistic analysis revealed percutaneous vertebroplasty was a risk factor in vein cement leakage; delayed surgery, preoperative compression ratio, and upper endplate disruption were in intradiscal cement leakage; age, preoperative fracture severity, and intravertebral vacuum cleft were in perivertebral soft tissue cement leakage; no factor was in spinal canal cement leakage. The nomogram for intradiscal cement leakage had a precise prediction ability with an original concordance index of 0.75.

Conclusions

Delayed surgery and more vertebral compression increase the risk of cement leakage. Different types of cement leakage have different risk factors. We provided a nomogram for precise predicting the intradiscal cement leakage.

The treatment of osteoporotic thoraco-lumbar burst fractures by unilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty: A prospective observation study

OBJECTIVE

Osteoporotic thoraco-lumbar burst fractures with serious pain are very common, and the optimal treatment of burst fractures without any neurological deficits has not yet been properly codified. The objective of this study was to evaluate prospectively the clinical effects and pain relief of unilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) on osteoporotic thoraco-lumbar burst fractures.

METHODS

Forty-six patients with osteoporotic thoraco-lumbar burst fractures were treated by PKP in our hospital from January 2016 to January 2017. The height of posterior wall (HPW), the height of anterior wall (HAW) and kyphotic angle (KA) were measured via x-ray radiographs before surgery, one day after surgery and at final follow-up. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score and the oswestry disability index (ODI) score were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively and at final follow-up. All the patients with osteoporotic thoraco-lumbar burst fractures were treated by unilateral PKP. Radiological evaluation (anteroposterior and lateral x-ray radiographs and CT) was performed.

RESULTS

All patients were followed-up, and the mean follow-up was 28.8 ± 7.0 months. The preoperative HAW was 20.1 ± 2.3 mm, and the HAW was significantly improved to 22.9 ± 2.4 mm after operation (p < .05), and at the final follow-up, the HAW was 19.9 ± 2.1 mm, which was lower than the postoperative HAW. The HPW was also significantly corrected after surgery (p < .05). There were no significant differences between postoperative HPW and HPW at the final follow-up (p > .05). The KA was significantly corrected after operation (p < .05), but relapse occurred at the final follow-up, and at the final follow-up, the average of KA was 19.4 ± 1.6 degree. The VAS and ODI were significantly improved at the final follow-up compared to the preoperative period (p < .05). Cement leakage was found in eight patients, and adjacent vertebral fracture (VF) was found in two patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that unilateral PKP acquired satisfactory treatment effect and pain relief in the management of osteoporotic thoraco-lumbar burst fractures. Meticulous evaluation of preoperative images and careful repetitious injection of cement are important to prevent cement leakage.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our present results showed that unilateral PKP was an effective method to obtain satisfactory pain relief in the management of osteoporotic thoraco-lumbar burst fractures. It may a good indication for the patients with osteoporotic thoraco-lumbar burst fractures, and the patients could not tolerate the serious acute pain by conservative treatment.

Vertebroplasty-associated cement leak leading to iatrogenic venous compression and thrombosis

A 91-year-old woman presented with left lower extremity swelling and pain diagnosed as phlegmasia cerulea dolens. Doppler ultrasound and venography revealed extensive left lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. Review of prior images revealed cement leakage causing compression of the left common iliac vein. She underwent successful mechanical thrombectomy using the ClotTriever device (Inari Medical, Irvine, Calif) and subsequent stent placement. Phlegmasia cerulea dolens resolved on the following day, and the stent remained patent at the 1-month follow-up appointment. Cement leakage from L5 vertebroplasty can cause extrinsic compression on the left common iliac vein, resulting in iatrogenic venous compression syndrome and the development of deep venous thrombosis in the affected lower extremity.

Armed Kyphoplasty: An Indirect Central Canal Decompression Technique in Burst Fractures

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Burst fractures are characterized by middle column disruption and may feature posterior wall retropulsion. Indications for treatment remain controversial. Recently introduced vertebral augmentation techniques using intravertebral distraction devices, such as vertebral body stents and SpineJack, could be effective in fracture reduction and fixation and might obtain central canal clearance through ligamentotaxis. This study assesses the results of armed kyphoplasty using vertebral body stents or SpineJack in traumatic, osteoporotic, and neoplastic burst fractures with respect to vertebral body height restoration and correction of posterior wall retropulsion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective assessment of 53 burst fractures with posterior wall retropulsion and no neurologic deficit in 51 consecutive patients treated with armed kyphoplasty. Posterior wall retropulsion and vertebral body height were measured on pre- and postprocedural CT. Clinical and radiologic follow-up charts were reviewed.

RESULTS

Armed kyphoplasty was performed as a stand-alone treatment in 43 patients, combined with posterior instrumentation in 8 and laminectomy in 4. Pre-armed kyphoplasty and post-armed kyphoplasty mean posterior wall retropulsion was 5.8 and 4.5 mm, respectively (P < .001), and mean vertebral body height was 10.8 and 16.7 mm, respectively (P < .001). No significant clinical complications occurred. Clinical and radiologic follow-up (1-36 months; mean, 8 months) was available in 39 patients. Three treated levels showed a new fracture during follow-up without neurologic deterioration, and no retreatment was deemed necessary.

CONCLUSIONS

In the treatment of burst fractures with posterior wall retropulsion and no neurologic deficit, armed kyphoplasty yields fracture reduction, internal fixation, and indirect central canal decompression. In selected cases, it might represent a suitable minimally invasive treatment option, stand-alone or in combination with posterior stabilization.

Robot-assisted intravertebral augmentation corrects local kyphosis more effectively than a conventional fluoroscopy-guided technique

OBJECTIVEIntravertebral augmentation (IVA) is a reliable minimally invasive technique for treating Magerl type A vertebral body fractures. However, poor correction of kyphotic angulation, the risk of cement leakage, and significant exposure to radiation (for the surgeon, the operating room staff, and the patient) remain significant issues. The authors conducted a study to assess the value of robot-assisted IVA (RA-IVA) for thoracolumbar vertebral body fractures.METHODSThe authors performed a retrospective, single-center study of patients who had undergone RA-IVA or conventional fluoroscopy-guided IVA (F-IVA) for thoracolumbar vertebral body fractures. Installation and operating times, guidance accuracy, residual local kyphosis, degree of restoration of vertebral body height, incidence of cement leakage, rate of morbidity, length of hospital stay, and radiation-related data were recorded.RESULTSData obtained in 30 patients who underwent RA-IVA were compared with those obtained in 30 patients who underwent F-IVA during the same period (the surgical indications were identical, but the surgeons were different). The mean ± SD installation time in the RA-IVA group (24 ± 7.5 minutes) was significantly shorter (p = 0.005) than that in the F-IVA group (26 ± 8 minutes). The mean operating time for the RA-IVA group (52 ± 11 minutes) was significantly longer (p = 0.026) than that for the F-IVA group (30 ± 11 minutes). All RA-IVAs and F-IVAs were Ravi's scale grade A (no pedicle breach). The mean degree of residual local kyphosis (4.7° ± 3.15°) and the percentage of vertebral body height restoration (63.6% ± 21.4%) were significantly better after RA-IVA than after F-IVA (8.4° ± 5.4° and 30% ± 34%, respectively). The incidence of cement leakage was significantly lower in the RA-IVA group (p < 0.05). The mean length of hospital stay after surgery was 3.2 days for both groups. No surgery-related complications occurred in either group. With RA-IVA, the mean radiation exposure was 438 ± 147 mGy × cm for the patient and 30 ± 17 mGy for the surgeon.CONCLUSIONSRA-IVA provided better vertebral body fracture correction than the conventional F-IVA. However, RA-IVA requires more time than F-IVA.

Balloon Kyphoplasty Versus Conservative Treatment for Acute Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures With Poor Prognostic Factors: Propensity Score Matched Analysis Using Data From Two Prospective Multicenter Studies

STUDY DESIGN

A multicenter, prospective, single-arm, intervention study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate efficacy of balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) for acute osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) in patients with poor prognostic factors.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The indications for BKP remain unclear. Characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings (high-intensity or diffuse low-intensity area in fractured vertebrae on T2-weighted images) were reportedly predictive of delayed union.

METHODS

This study enrolled 106 patients with poor prognostic MRI findings who underwent BKP within 2 months after injury, and 116 controls with acute OVFs and the same poor prognostic factors who underwent conservative treatment. Patients were propensity score matched in a logistic regression model adjusted for age, sex, number of baseline old fractures, and fracture level. The primary outcome was reduction in activities of daily living (ADLs) at 6 months after fracture, and the secondary outcomes were improvement in short-form (SF)-36 subscales, back pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, and vertebral body deformity.

RESULTS

A decrease in ADLs occurred in 5.6% of patients in the BKP group and 25.6% of patients in the conservative treatment group (P < 0.001). The SF-36 vitality subscale score improved by 26.9 ± 25.9 points in the BKP group and 14.5 ± 29.4 points in the control group (P = 0.03). The VAS pain score improved by 43.4 ± 34.4 in the BKP group and 52.2 ± 29.8 in the control group (P = 0.44). The vertebral body wedge angle improved by 5.5 ± 6.2° in the BKP group and -6.3 ± 5.0° in the control group (P < 0.0001). The percent vertebral body height improved by 15.2 ± 19.2% in the BKP group and -20.6 ± 14.2% in the control group (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

ADLs, quality of life, and vertebral deformity showed greater improvement with BKP intervention for acute OVF with poor prognostic factors than with conservative treatment at 6 months after injury. Our treatment strategy uses BKP intervention according to the presence or absence of poor prognostic MRI findings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fractures with posterior wall injury

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Cement augmentation techniques are standard treatments for osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Compared with vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty is associated with lower rates of cement leak and better deformity correction; however, posterior wall fractures are relative, but not absolute; contraindications for both techniques and hence treatment practices vary among spine centers.

PURPOSE

The primary aim of this study was to assess our center's incidence of posterior cement leakage in osteoporotic vertebral fractures with posterior wall injury treated by balloon kyphoplasty (BKP). Secondarily, physiological results, pain relief, complication rates, and non-posterior cement leakage were also evaluated.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a prospective cohort study done in a high-volume spine center in Germany.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Eighty-two patients with 98 osteoporotic vertebral fractures with posterior wall cortical injury were studied from 2012 to 2016.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The following were the outcome measures: (1) physiological measures: standing plain x-rays (anteroposterior and lateral views), with the following parameters evaluated: cement leak behind the posterior vertebral body border, Cobb angle for local sagittal deformity, vertebral wedge angle, and anterior vertebral height; (2) cement volume injected in each vertebra; and (3) self-report measures: visual analog scale (VAS).

METHODS

All patients underwent BKP using a bipedicular approach. Preoperative clinical and neurologic evaluations were done. Radiological evaluations included plain X-ray images, computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging. The average follow-up period was 18 months.

RESULTS

No cement leakage into the spinal canal occurred in any of the patients. Asymptomatic leakage into other sites was seen in 22 vertebrae (22.45%). There was significant improvement in the Cobb angle, the vertebral wedge angle, and the anterior vertebral height in all cases. The mean preoperative VAS was 8.1, and this improved to 2.3 on the third postoperative day.

CONCLUSION

Balloon kyphoplasty is a viable option for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures even with posterior wall involvement.

Who benefits more in osteoporotic fractures: Pedicle screw instrumentation or kyphoplasty for American Society of Anesthesiologists II/III patients?

Purpose:

Osteoporotc fractures with posterior wall injury are commonly treated with a pedicle srcrew instrumentation (PSI) or a ballonkyphoplasty (BKP). A predictor for complications for these patients is the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class. Clinical results in ASA II/III patients who underwent BKP and PSI due to OF were evaluated to find the optimal treatment regimen.

Materials and Methods:

In a retrospective study design, ASA Class II and III patients with OF type OF 2 and OF 3 according to the German Society of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery classification who underwent surgery between 2011 and 2016 were enrolled. Perioperative data such as time of surgery, cement leakage, adjacent level fractures, screw loosening, wound infections, and segmental kyphosis correction were measured and a statistical analysis was conducted.

Results:

Ninety-nine patients met the inclusion criteria, 17 were classified as ASA II and 82 patients were classified as ASA III. Twenty-eight individuals were treated by PSI, whereas 71 underwent BKP. Not only a longer average operation (120 min) and hospital stay (21 days) were documented in the PSI group but also a better kyphosis correction (7.5°). In comparison, the BKP group required an average operation time of 35.5 min with a mean kyphosis correction of 2.1°. A statistical analysis revealed the surgical procedure and not the ASA class to be a relevant factor for complication and revision surgery.

Conclusions:

BKP is a safe and effective therapy including also fractures with posterior wall defects while PSI showed advantages in restoring the sagittal realignment but higher complication and revision risk.

Cement leakage in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with cortical defect using high-viscosity bone cement during unilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty surgery

The purpose of this study was to investigate cement leakage (CL) in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) with cortical defect using high-viscosity bone cement during unilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) surgery.This study included a series of 77 patients (23 males, 54 females) with single level osteoporotic vertebral body fracture (OVCF) who underwent unilateral PKP in our hospital. Preoperative x-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, and 3-dimensional reconstructions were studied. During the PKP procedure, needle was carefully put to avoid too near to the cortical defect according to CT image. High-viscosity bone cement was used via unilateral PKP. Radiographic outcomes were evaluated by assessment of vertebral body wall breakage, fracture type, and vertebral body change. The exact rate of CL was analyzed.A total of 77 patients with single-level OVCF were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 74.8 ± 8.0 years. Among these cases, 7 (9.1%) involved the thoracic spine (T3-T10), 60 (77.9%) involved the thoracolumbar spine (T10-L2), and 10 (13.0%) involved the lumbar spine (L3-L5). There were 27 vertebral bodies found posterior wall breakage, 51 vertebral bodies found endplate breakage, and 49 vertebral bodies found anterior-lateral wall breakage. CT scan was more efficient in detecting vertebral body wall breakage and CL than x-ray (P < .001). No neurological symptoms were found after surgery. Both cases with CL (CL group) and cases without cement leakage (NCL group) experienced vertebral height restoration (HR) with similar cement volume CV. There were no significant difference between the two groups about the parameter HR and CV. Severe vertebral body fracture and biconcave fracture had more CL than other groups. OVCF cases with cortical defect had more CL rate than those without cortical defect; however, no significant difference was found in the correlation between vertebral wall breakage and CL.Cortical defect remains a potential risk of CL during PKP surgery. Careful preoperative evaluation and using high-viscosity bone cement during the unilateral PKP procedure could prevent serious leakage and clinical symptoms.

Cementless Titanium Mesh Fixation of Osteoporotic Burst Fractures of the Lumbar Spine Leads to Bony Healing: Results of an Experimental Sheep Model

Introduction. Current treatment strategies for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) focus on cement-associated solutions. Complications associated with cement application are leakage, embolism, adjacent fractures, and compromise in bony healing. This study comprises a validated VCF model in osteoporotic sheep in order to (1) evaluate a new cementless fracture fixation technique using titanium mesh implants (TMIs) and (2) demonstrate the healing capabilities in osteoporotic VCFs. Methods. Twelve 5-year-old Merino sheep received ovariectomy, corticosteroid injections, and a calcium/phosphorus/vitamin D-deficient diet for osteoporosis induction. Standardized VCFs (type AO A3.1) were created, reduced, and fixed using intravertebral TMIs. Randomly additional autologous spongiosa grafting (G1) or no augmentation was performed (G2, n = 6 each). Two months postoperatively, macroscopic, micro-CT and biomechanical evaluation assessed bony consolidation. Results. Fracture reduction succeeded in all cases without intraoperative complications. Bony consolidation was proven for all cases with increased amounts of callus development for G2 (58.3%). Micro-CT revealed cage integration. Neither group showed improved results with biomechanical testing. Conclusions. Fracture reduction/fixation using TMIs without cement in osteoporotic sheep lumbar VCF resulted in bony fracture healing. Intravertebral application of autologous spongiosa showed no beneficial effects. The technique is now available for clinical use; thus, it offers an opportunity to abandon cement-associated complications.

Intraspinal Leakage of Cement during Vertebroplasty for an Elderly Woman with Osteoporotic Burst Fracture: A Case Report and Short Review of Prevention and Management

Osteoporotic spine fracture is very common nowadays due to the aging population. It may result in prolonged immobilization due to significant back pain. Cement vertebroplasty helps to relieve pain, provides immediate stability and allows early mobilization. Intraspinal leakage of cement is a rare complication but it may lead to catastrophic neurological injuries. Evidence-based management guidelines for this complication are lacking. This is a case report about intraspinal leakage of cement during vertebroplasty for an 85-year-old woman with osteoporotic burst fractures over the lumbar spine. Urgent exploration and decompression was performed. No neurological injury was found after the operation and the patient recovered from osteoporotic back pain uneventfully.

Bony healing of unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures in the elderly using percutaneously applied titanium mesh cages and a transpedicular fixation system with expandable screws

INTRODUCTION

There is a high incidence of vertebral burst fractures following low velocity trauma in the elderly. Treatment of unstable vertebral burst fractures using the same principles like in stable vertebral burst fractures may show less favourable results in terms of fracture reduction, maintenance of reduction and cement leakage. In order to address these shortcomings this study introduces cementless fixation of unstable vertebral burst fractures using internal fixators and expandable intravertebral titanium mesh cages in a one-stage procedure via minimum-invasive techniques.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 16 consecutive patients (median age 76 years, range 58-94) with unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures and concomitant osteoporosis were treated by an internal fixator inserted via minimum invasive technique one level above and below the fractured vertebra. Fracture reduction was achieved and maintained by transpedicular placement of two titanium mesh cages into the fractured vertebral body during the same procedure. Intra- and postoperative safety of the procedure as well as analysis of reduction quality was analysed by 3D C-arm imaging or CT, respectively. Clinical and radiographic follow-up averaged 10.4 months (range 4.5-24.5).

RESULTS

Stabilization of the collapsed vertebral body was achieved in all 16 cases without any intraoperative complication. Surgical time averaged 102 ± 6.6 minutes (71-194). The postoperative kyphotic angle (KA) and Cobb angle revealed significant improvements (KA 13.7° to 7.4°, p < 0.001; Cobb 9.6° to 6.0°, p < 0.002) with partial loss of reduction at final follow-up (KA 8.3°, Cobb 8.7°). VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) improved from 7.6 to 2.6 (p < 0.001). Adjacent fractures were not observed. One minor (malposition of pedicle screw) complication was encountered.

CONCLUSION

Cementless fixation of osteoporotic burst fractures revealed substantial pain relief, adequate maintenance of reduction and a low complication rate. Bony healing after unstable osteoporotic burst fractures is possible.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.germanctr.de DRKS00005657.

Intrabody application of eptotermin alpha enhances bone formation in osteoporotic fractures of the lumbar spine; however, fails to increase biomechanical stability - results of an experimental sheep model

This study analyses the effect of eptotermin α application into fractured vertebrae. It is hypothesized that eptotermin α is capable to enhance bony healing of the osteoporotic spine. In 10 Merino sheep osteoporosis induction was performed by ovariectomy, corticosteroid therapy and calcium/phosphorus/vitamin D-deficient diet; followed by standardized creation of lumbar vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) type A3.1 and consecutive fracture reduction/fixation using expandable mesh cages. Randomly, intravertebral eptotermin α (G1) or no augmentation was added (G2). Macroscopic, micro-CT, and biomechanical evaluation assessed bony consolidation two months postoperatively: Micro-CT data revealed bony consolidation for all cases with significant increased callus development for G2 (60%) and BV/TV (bone volume/total volume 73.45%, osteoporotic vertebrae 35.76%). Neither group showed improved biomechanical stability. Eptotermin α enhanced mineralisation in VCFs in an experimental setup with use of cementless augmentation via an expandable cage. However, higher bone mineral density did not lead to superior biomechanical properties.

Cementless fixation of osteoporotic VCFs using titanium mesh implants (OsseoFix): preliminary results

INTRODUCTION

Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) affect 20% of people over the age of 70 with increasing incidence. Kypho-/vertebroplasty as standard operative procedures are associated with limitations like cement leakage, limited reduction capabilities, and risk for adjacent fractures. To address these shortcomings, we introduce a new minimal invasive cementless VCF fixation technique.

METHODS

Four patients (72.3 years, range 70-76) with VCFs type AO/Müller A1.3 and concomitant osteoporosis were treated by minimal invasive transpedicular placement of two intervertebral mesh cages for fracture reduction and maintenance. Follow-up included functional/radiological assessment and clinical scores and averaged 27.7 months (24-28).

RESULTS

Endplate reduction was achieved in all cases (mean surgery time: 28.5 minutes). Kyphotic (KA) and Cobb angle revealed considerable improvements postoperatively (KA 14.5° to 10.7°/Cobb 10.1° to 8.3°). Slight loss of vertebral reduction (KA: 12.6°) and segment rekyphosis (Cobb: 10.7°) were observed for final follow-up. Pain improved from 8.8 to 2.8 (visual analogue scale). All cases showed signs of bony healing. No perioperative complications and no adjacent fractures occurred.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary results in a small, selected patient collective indicate the ability of bony healing for osteoporotic VCFs. Cementless fixation using intravertebral titanium mesh cages revealed substantial pain relief, adequate reduction, and reduction maintenance without complications. Trial registration number is DRKS00005657, German Clinical Trials Register (DKRS).

Assisted techniques for vertebral cementoplasty: why should we do it?

Assisted techniques (AT) for vertebral cementoplasty include multiple mini-invasive percutaneous systems in which vertebral augmentation is obtained through mechanical devices with the aim to reach the best vertebral height restoration. As an evolution of the vertebroplasty, the rationale of the AT-treatment is to combine the analgesic and stability effect of cement injection with the restoration of a physiological height for the collapsed vertebral body. Reduction of the vertebral body kyphotic deformity, considering the target of normal spine biomechanics, could improve all systemic potential complications evident in patient with vertebral compression fracture (VCF). Main indications for AT are related to fractures in fragile vertebral osseous matrix and non-osteoporotic vertebral lesions due to spine metastasis or trauma. Many companies developed different systems for AT having the same target but different working cannula, different vertebral height restoration system and costs. Aim of this review is to discuss about vertebral cementoplasty procedures and techniques, considering patient inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as all related minor and/or major interventional complications.

Less invasive reduction and fusion of fresh A2 and A 3 traumatic L 1-L 4 fractures with a novel vertebral body augmentation implant and short pedicle screw fixation and fusion

The aim of this clinical study was to report on the efficacy in reduction and safety in PMMA leakage of a novel vertebral augmentation technique with PEEK and PMMA, together with pedicle screws in the treatment of fresh vertebral fractures in young adults. Twenty consecutive young adults aged 45 ± 11 years with fresh burst A3/AO or severely compressed A2/AO fractures underwent via a less invasive posterior approach one-staged reduction with a novel augmentation implant and PMMA plus 3-vertebrae pedicle screw fixation and fusion. Radiologic parameters as segmental kyphosis (SKA), anterior (AVBHr) and posterior vertebral body height ratio (PVBHr), spinal canal encroachment (SCE), cement leakage and functional parameters as VAS, SF-36 were measured pre- and post-operatively. Hybrid construct restored AVBHr (P < 0.000), PVBHr (P = 0.02), SKA (P = 0.015), SCE (P = 0.002) without loss of correction at an average follow-up of 17 months. PMMA leakage occurred in 3 patients (3 vertebrae) either anteriorly to the fractured vertebral body or to the adjacent disc, but in no case to the spinal canal. Two pedicle screws were malpositioned (one medially, one laterally to the pedicle at the fracture level) without neurologic sequelae. Solid posterolateral spinal fusion occurred 8-10 months post-operatively. Pre-operative VAS and SF-36 scores improved post-operatively significantly. This study showed that this novel vertebral augmentation technique using PEEK implant and PMMA reduces and stabilizes via less invasive technique A2 and A3 vertebral fractures without loss of correction and leakage to the spinal canal.

Neurological deficit due to cement extravasation following a vertebral augmentation procedure

The authors endeavor to highlight the surgical management of severe neurological deficit resulting from cement leakage after percutaneous vertebroplasty and to systematically review the literature on the management of this complication. A patient presented after a vertebroplasty procedure for traumatic injury. A CT scan showed polymethylmethacrylate leakage into the right foramina at T-11 and L-1 and associated central stenosis at L-1. He underwent decompression and fusion for removal of cement and stabilization of the fracture segment. In the authors' systematic review, they searched Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases to determine the overall number of reported cases of neurological deficit after cement leakage, and they collected data on symptom onset, clinical presentation, surgical management, and outcome. After surgery, despite neurological recovery postoperatively, the patient developed pneumonia and died 16 days after surgery. The literature review showed 21 cases of cement extravasation with neurological deficit. Ultimately, 15 patients had resolution of the postoperative deficit, 5 had limited change in neurological status, and 2 had no improvement. Cement augmentation procedures are relatively safe, but certain precautions should be taken to avoid such complications including high-resolution biplanar fluoroscopy, considering the use of a local anesthetic, and controlling the location of cement spread in relationship to the posterior vertebral body. Immediate surgical intervention with removal of cement provides good results with complete recovery in most cases.

Balloon kyphoplasty versus KIVA vertebral augmentation--comparison of 2 techniques for osteoporotic vertebral body fractures: a prospective randomized study

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, parallel-group, controlled comparative randomized study.

OBJECTIVE

This study compares the efficacy in sagittal vertebral height and wedge deformity restoration, polymethylmethacrylate cement leakage safety, and functional outcome of balloon kyphoplasty (BK) versus KIVA (a novel vertebral augmentation technique) implant for the augmentation of fresh osteoporotic vertebral body fractures.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Minimally invasive vertebral augmentation procedures have been widely used to treat vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. The results of these trials are encouraging in augmenting the vertebra and reducing the wedge deformity. However, after BK, polymethylmethacrylate leakage remains common after A3.1 AO type fractures, with a frequency per vertebra into the epidural space up to 9.8% but less common (0.03%-5.6%) in A1.1 AO type fracture. KIVA is a novel percutaneous uniportal vertebral augmentation device that is designed to restore the vertebral body and reduce polymethylmethacrylate leakage.

METHODS

From a total 190 patients with osteoporotic fractures who were initially enrolled in this prospective randomized study, 10 patients were excluded (5 met exclusion criteria, 5 with evidence of metastasis). This study examined 82 patients (69 ± 11 yr) with 133 fractures who received KIVA and 86 patients (72 ± 9 yr) with 122 fractures that were reinforced with BK. Anterior (anterior vertebral body height ratio [AVBHr]), midline (midline vertebral body height ratio [MVBHr]), and posterior (posterior vertebral body height ratio [PVBHr]) vertebral body height ratio and Gardner segmental vertebral wedge deformity were measured preoperatively to postoperatively. New fractures were recorded at the final observation. The baseline anthropometric and roentgenographic parameters did not differ between the 2 groups. Any cement leakage was examined on plain roentgenograms and computed tomographic scan. All patients were followed for an average of 14 months (range, 13-15 mo) postoperatively. RESULTS.: At the final observation, both KIVA and BK restored significantly AVBHr, PVBHr, and MVBHr. However, only KIVA device reduced significantly the Gardner angle (P = 0.002). Residual kyphosis of more than 5° was measured significantly more (P < 0.001) in the BK than in KIVA spines. KIVA showed significantly lower (3%, χ2, P ≤ 0.05) leakage) [corrected] (paravertebral, intradiscal) rate per vertebra than BK (0.098%) in which because of intracanal leakage 2 patients developed acute paraplegia and were reoperated in emergency. New fracture rate was similar in both groups. Back pain scores (visual analogue scale), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (Physical Function and Mental Health domains), and Oswestry Disability Index scores improved significantly in the patients of both groups.

CONCLUSION

Both KIVA and BK restored in short-term similarly vertebral body height, but only KIVA restored vertebral body wedge deformity. KIVA was followed by significantly lower and harmless always extracanal leakage rate than BK. Longer observation is needed to show whether these radiological changes have any functional impact.

Instability of treated vertebrae after balloon kyphoplasty causing paraparesis in osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture: a report of two cases

Purpose

To describe two unique cases of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) treated with balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) that were complicated by spinal instability and resultant lower extremity paraparesis.

Methods

Kyphoplasty was performed in two patients with OVCF that had persistent back pain despite a course of conservative care. Immediately following BKP, both patients had a marked improvement in back pain. However, they developed progressive bilateral lower extremity weakness. Lateral spine flexion–extension radiographs demonstrated instability, and polymethyl methacrylate did not adhere to the endplate of the treated vertebrae.

Results

Both the patients underwent a hybrid fixation without a decompression. Postoperatively, both of them demonstrated gradual improvement in their neurological exam.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the development of spinal instability with resultant delayed paraplegia following BKP. This case report demonstrates another cause of neurological decline following BKP, in the absence of cement leakage.