Comparison of Unipedicular versus Bipedicular Kyphoplasty for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

Abstract

Study Design: A retrospective study Objectives: To compare the radiological and clinical results of the unipedicular and bipedicular approach of kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Summary of Literature Review: A unipedicular rather than a bipedicular technique has been suggested to decrease the risks associated with surgical procedures. Materials and Methods: Between July 2005 and May 2006, 136 vertebrae of 97 patients, who underwent kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, were analyzed. Group 1, with the bipedicular approach, consisted of 86 vertebrae of 67 patients with a mean age of 72.2 years. Group 2, with unipedicular approach, consisted of 50 vertebrae of 30 patients with mean age of 73.4 years. The plain radiographs, MRI and surgical records were reviewed. Results: The mean operation time of the single vertebral body in group 2 was statistically lower than in group 1(p 0.05). Conclusion: There were no significant differences in clinical satisfaction and radiological results between the unipedicular and bipedicular kyphoplasty. The advantage of a unipedicular approach is the shorter procedure time than the bipedicular approach. This is particularly useful in multi-level compression fractures. The rate of the unipedicular approach in upper and mid thoracic spine is higher because of the higher convergence of the pedicle and the lower volume of vertebral body despite the disadvantages of instrument insertion through the medial pedicle wall.