Purpose: To compare the clinical efficacy of percutaneous functional spinal unit cementoplasty (PFSUP) and posterior spinal fixation combined with vertebroplasty (PSF + VP) for the treatment of symptomatic chronic osteoporotic vertebral fractures (SCOVFs).
Method: Thirty-one patients with SCOVFs were included in this retrospective study and divided into PFSUP (n = 14) and PSF + VP (n = 17) groups. Visual analog scores (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were recorded before and after surgery and at the last follow-up. Besides, the local kyphosis angle (LKA) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured. The operation duration, number of X-ray exposures, amount of blood loss, bed rest duration, hospitalization duration, and presence of complications were recorded.
Result: The VAS, ODI, LKA, and SVA after surgery and at the last follow-up were significantly improved in both groups compared to preoperative measurements. The PFSUP group experienced shorter operation duration (78.2 ± 13.1 vs. 124.7 ± 14.7, p < 0.001), less blood loss (31.1 ± 8.1 vs. 334.7 ± 70.9, p < 0.001), more X-ray exposures (92.1 ± 14.3 vs. 29.4 ± 5.5, p < 0.001), shorter bed rest duration (12.4 ± 3.8 vs. 43.4 ± 10.0, p < 0.001), shorter hospitalization (6.6 ± 2.4 vs. 10.9 ± 2.7, p < 0.001), lower complication rate (28.5% vs. 64.7%, p < 0.05), and higher cement leakage rate (42.9% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.05) than the PSF + VP group.
Conclusion: During the treatment of SCOVFs, the combination of PFSUP and PSF + VP can restore spinal stability, improve kyphosis, and relieve pain. PFSUP can reduce blood loss and complications, early mobilization, and shorten the hospital stay, but it is associated with a higher cement leakage rate and more radiation exposure.
Keywords: Osteoporosis; percutaneous functional spinal unit cementoplasty; posterior spinal fixation; symptomatic chronic osteoporotic vertebral fractures; vertebral augmentation techniques.