Is percutaneous kyphoplasty safe and beneficial for patients aged 90 and over?

BACKGROUND: At present, to a large extent, we do not know the safety and benefits of minimally invasive surgery for elderly patients, especially the focus population of patients aged 90 and over. METHODS: We analyzed 189 consecutive patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures who underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) between January 2018 and June 2021 at our institution. We divided them into the advanced age group aged 90 years or over (group A, n = 14) and the younger group under 90 years (group Y, n = 175). Clinical and complication indicators were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in the procedure time, bleeding volume, and bone mineral density between the 2 groups during an average follow-up of 22 months. However, no significant difference was revealed in clinical and complication indicators between the 2 groups, and the pain and activity function of the 2 groups were significantly improved compared with those before PKP. CONCLUSIONS: Apparently, our results show that PKP is safe and beneficial for patients aged 90 years or older.