Unilateral Versus Bilateral Kyphoplasty for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

Abstract

Study Design A retrospective study of patients who underwent kyphoplasty at a single institute. Objective To examine and compare the safety and long-term radiographic and clinical effects of unilateral or bilateral kyphoplasty to treat symptomatic vertebral compression fractures (VCF). Summary of Background Data Kyphoplasty (KP) involves placement of inflatable bone tamp via unilateral and bilateral approaches. Few randomized study comparing the radiographic and clinical outcomes using unilateral and bilateral approaches was reported. Methods 50 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCF) were allocated into two groups adopting unilateral or bilateral kyphoplasty. Preoperative and postoperative pain scores, Vertebral body height were compared and analyzed. Results Both unilateral and bilateral kyphoplasty resulted in significant pain reduction. Significant increases of midline vertebral body height were recorded for both groups after surgery and maintained for the period of follow-up. Asymptomatic cement extravasation occurred in 8 of 50 patients, and 2 patients developed additional fractures at untreated levels during the period of follow-up. Conclusions Both unilateral and bilateral KP can improve clinical effects of osteoporotic VCF and result in significant vertebral height restoration for at least 18 months after treatment.