Comparison of effectiveness of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in patients with osteoporotic vertebra fractures

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty in patients with osteoporotic vertebra fractures. METHODS: The files of the patients who underwent vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebrae fractures were retrieved from the archives. Forty-three patients with complete follow-up data were included in the study group. The patients were evaluated for radiological outcomes in terms of local kyphosis angle, wedging index, compression ratio, visual analog pain scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS: In the study group, kyphoplasty was performed on 24 vertebrae of 22 patients (17 females, 5 males; mean age: 73 years) whereas vertebroplasty was applied on 24 vertebrae of 21 (16 females, 5 males; mean age: 74.7 years) patients. The mean follow-up time was 26 months. When the VAS and ODI values of the groups were analyzed, both groups showed statistically significant progress after the operation. Radiological data showed that the kyphoplasty group showed statistically significant improvement in the sagittal index values whereas the vertebroplasty group did not. The overall complication ratio was 4%. CONCLUSION: Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are effective treatment methods for functional recovery and pain relief in osteoporotic fractures of the vertebra. Although radiological outcomes of the kyphoplasty seem to be better, this does not have any clinical relevance. We suggest vertebroplasty over kyphoplasty since it is an easier method to manage. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic study.