Treatment Results of Compression Spine Fracture: Comparison of Non-Surgical with Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty

Compression fractures of the spine are common complications of osteoporosis that lead to persistent pain, inability to perform daily activities, and a significant reduction in quality of life. Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are two semi-invasive treatments for this complication. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to evaluate and compare the treatment results obtained from the use of the two mentioned methods with non-surgical medical treatment in patients with compression fracture of the spine.

The cases of thoracic spine compression fracture referring to 2 teaching hospitals during a 2-years period (2015 to 2017) were retrospectively studied the results of 3 treatment methods of non-surgical, vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty were compared by chart review and also direct questioning and examination at a minimum follow-up of one year. The evaluation of pain by VAS, and functional status Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and SF-36 short form were completed.  

From total of 138 cases of compression thoracic spine fracture only 96 had the inclusion criteria and were entered into the study. 42 male and 54 female patients were evaluated. The patients had a minimum of 3 months and maximum of 1 year (Mean=7.5 months) follow-up. VAS score in non-surgical group was 6.75±1.32, in vertebroplasty was 3.58±1.94 and in Kyphoplasty was 2.67±1.64. The ODI scores were: 56.82±14.4, 28±15.40, and 25.64±13.52 for non-surgical, vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty respectively. The SF-36 scores were almost similar in all 3 treatment methods.

The two methods of vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty, in comparison with non-surgical treatment, had significantly reduced pain and better quality of life and ability of work. Therefore the two surgical treatments are preferred techniques for compression spine fractures.