The preliminary study on a single balloon cross-medline expansion using unipedicular approach in kyphoplasty

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of kyphoplasty with single balloon cross-midline expansion using unipedicular approach for osteoporotic vertebral body compressive fracture (OVCF).Methods Thirty six cases of painful OVCF were included in the study,with 61 vertebrae involved.Under X-ray fluoroscopy monitoring,kyphoplasty was performed using a unilateral,single,balloon via a unilateral transpedicular approach.A final balloon position was in the midline of the vertebral body with the balloon cross-midline expansions and bone cement filled. Clinical outcomes were determined by comparison of preoperative and postoperative VAS and ODI scores.Radiographic assessment included vertebral height restoration and correction of kyphosis.Follow-up was conducted for 6.0-12.0 months(mean 9.2 months).Results Thirty-six consecutive patients with 61 vertebrae were successfully operated with an operative time of(37.4±9.6)rain per vertebra.All patients had significant pain relief and functional recovery within 96 h after the procedure with no surgery-and device-related complications.VAS score improved from(7.3±1.0)preoperatively to(2.7±0.8)postoperatively(t=19.53,P＜0.01).ODI score was decreased from(71.1±10.9)%preoperatively to(26.6±6.4)%postoperatively(t=18.54,P＜0.01).The average anterior body height loss was(14.3±2.8)mm before procedure and(10.0±1.8)mm after procedure(t=14.68,P＜0.01).The average middle body height loss was(10.2±2.7)mm before procedure and(5.9±1.8)mm after procedure(t=16.44,P＜0.01).The Cobb's angle was corrected from 23.4°±5.0° to 16.2°±2.8°(t=15.60,P＜0.01).Some leakages of cement around the anterior margin of vertebra and inter-vertebral space were found in 2 patients,but there were no clinical symptoms.X-ray examination indicated there were no cement leakages in other vertebra.The pain relief and functional recovery were substantial and maintained to the last follow up without any re-collapse or adjacent level fracture.Conclusions A single-balloon cross-midline expansion using unipedicular approach in kyphoplasty for OVCF is effective and safety,less operation time,less radiation exposure compared to the conventional kyphoplasty technique. Key words: Radiology,interventional; Osteoporosis; Fractures,compression; Spinal fractures