Cement Augmented Anterior Reconstruction and Decompression without Posterior Instrumentation: A Less Invasive Surgical Option for Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Fracture with Cord Compression

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the clinical and radiological outcomes of a cement augmented anterior reconstruction and decompression without pedicle screw fixation in patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral fracture with myelopathy. METHODS: There were 2 male and 6 female patients with thoracolumbar fracture and myelopathy included in the study. The mean follow-up period was more than 1 years. The anterolateral decompression and cement augmented anterior reconstruction with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was performed. Demographic data, clinical outcomes, perioperative parameters and radiologic parameter were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The symptoms due to myelopathy were improved in all patients. The preoperative median visual analog scale score for lower back and leg were 8.5 that improved 4.25 and 3 at last follow up. The preoperative function state showed a median Oswestry Disability Index score 61.5 that improved 33. After surgery, preoperative encroachment of the spinal canal (5.12 mm, 37%) was disappeared. The median height of fractured vertebral body significantly increased from 7.83 to 12.63 mm. At the last follow-up point, the median height was 9.91 mm. The median kyphotic deformity was improved from 22.12° to 14.31°. At the final follow-up, the improvement was preserved (median value: 15.03). The acute complication according to PMMA such as leakage and embolization was none, but adjacent compression fracture as late complication according to cement augmentation was. One patient developed surgical site infection. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the preliminary results, we considered that anterolateral decompression and PMMA augmentation might be an optimal method for treating osteoporotic fracture with myelopathy in elderly patients or those with multiple medical comorbidities.