Vertebral Compression Fractures In Patients Research Articles

P.148 Consult and kyphoplasty delay impacts on geriatric vertebral compression fracture outcomes

Background: Vertebral compression fractures (VCF) lead to both considerable morbidity and increased mortality. Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive surgery, treats VCFs providing significant pain relief, preserving vertebral height, and reducing spinal deformity. Methods: A retrospective cohort study at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) was conducted on elderly patients (60 years or older) who underwent kyphoplasty at between 2012 and 2022. The patients had prior hospital admissions under non-spine-related specialties at HHS within two years before their surgery. Primary outcomes were the progression of vertebral height loss and focal kyphotic deformity. Results: The study included 119 patients (52.1% female, mean age 70.71 years). A significant increase in vertebral height loss was observed from diagnosis to pre-kyphoplasty (0.32% change, p < 0.0001) and from diagnosis to post-kyphoplasty (0.24% change, p = 0.015). However, there were no significant correlations between delay times and changes in vertebral height or focal kyphotic deformity. Conclusions: Delays in neurosurgical consultation and kyphoplasty did not significantly affect radiographic outcomes in elderly patients with VCF despite the progression of vertebral height loss. This suggests that while timely patient care is essential, delayed treatment may not adversely affect key radiographic metrics in elderly VCF patients.

Equivalence in osteoporosis workup and management after femoral neck fracture fixation and vertebral compression fracture cement augmentation: A single-center retrospective study highlighting persistent underdiagnosis and undertreatment

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate pre- and post-fracture medical management of osteoporosis among patients who underwent surgical fixation of femoral neck fractures (FNF) and vertebral compression fractures (VCF), and to investigate if there is a difference in treatment, management, and subsequent fractures between FNF and VCF patients. MethodsPatients who underwent surgical fixation of FNF or VCF were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum 1 year follow up. Patients were excluded if their fracture was caused by high energy trauma or malignancy, <50 years-old, deceased, or lost to follow up. Patient demographics such as age, sex, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Status Classification System and Charleston Comorbidity index were recorded. Management of osteoporosis, including medication regimen and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans were assessed preoperatively and at minimum one year follow up. Subsequent fractures were also recorded. ResultsIn the analysis of 370 patients (74.7% FNF, 25.2% VCF), demographics showed a predominantly female population (mean age 78.1). Preoperatively, 21.6% were diagnosed with osteoporosis, consistent between FNF and VCF. Postoperatively, there were no significant differences in new osteoporosis diagnoses, bisphosphonate use, or subsequent fractures. VCF patients, however, were more likely to receive denosumab and post-operative DEXA scans (p < 0.05). Within a year, 6.2% experienced subsequent fractures, with no significant FNF-VCF difference. Only 12.7% received appropriate post-operative osteoporosis treatment, 27.1% had DEXA scans, and 25% had a recorded osteoporosis diagnosis. Multivariable analysis highlighted pre-fracture osteoporosis diagnosis as the sole predictor for post-operative DEXA scans and anti-osteoporotic medication (p < 0.001). ConclusionsThis study suggests that factors beyond the type of fragility fracture may influence subsequent fracture risk and anti-osteoporotic medication administration in elderly patients. These findings underscore the importance of a comprehensive approach to fracture risk assessment and treatment decisions in this population. Level of evidenceIII.

Analysis of Clinical Outcomes of Percutaneous Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty in the Treatment of Osteoporosis-Induced Vertebral Compression Fracture

Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) and Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) have become very effective to treating the Osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) and patients can get immediate relief from the pain and it can improve the motor functions of patient’s health status and widely used in clinical practice. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of painful vertebral compression fractures (VCF), which are fractures involving the vertebral bodies that make up the spinal column. Vertebroplasty are most often used to treat an injury called a compression fracture. This kind of injuries are most often caused by osteoporosis, which is the reason of bone weakness and osteoporosis are most common in older people. This study aimed to examine the osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) of Jinan, Shandong province, China, between male and female participants who were over 50 years of age. There are very few pertinent data regarding the relative or absolute contraindication of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). The purpose of this research was to assess and contrast the effectiveness of traditional kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty using high-viscosity cement in the treatment of severe OVCFs. In aged people, osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) are prevalent and can result in significant osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures. Treatment options for individuals with these types of fractures include conservative measures, percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). We compared the clinical effectiveness of PVP and PKP in treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in this investigation. Therefore, we conducted a comparative study on Osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) patients who received either PVP or PKP treatment in our hospitals from January 2020 to December 2020 to investigate the clinical efficacy, advantages and disadvantages of the surgical methods, and to provide a reference for clinical selection of treatment methods.

Effect of sarcopenia on refractures of adjacent vertebra after percutaneous kyphoplasty

PurposeTo explore the effect of sarcopenia on recurrent fractures of adjacent vertebra after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP).MethodsA total of 376 osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) patients over 55 years old who were admitted to the Hospital from August 2020 to January 2021 were selected. Among them, 38 patients with recurrent fractures in adjacent vertebra after PKP were selected as the refracture group (RG), and the remaining 338 patients were selected as the non-refracture group (NRG). The age, gender, grip strength, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain before and one month after surgery, Oswestry disability index (ODI) before and one month after surgery and the occurrence of sarcopenia were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of related risk factors on refracture after vertebral PKP.ResultsThe results of t-test and Chi-square test showed that there were no obvious differences in gender, BMI, preoperative VAS score (t=-0.996, P = 0.320) and ODI (t=-0.424, P = 0.671), one month postoperative VAS score (t=-0.934, P = 0.355) and ODI score (t=-0.461, P = 0.645). while the age and grip strength showed significant differences between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that BMI and gender had no significant effect on refracture after PKP, while sarcopenia and advanced age were independent risk factors for refracture after PKP. Also, increased BMD was a protective factor for refracture after PKP.ConclusionSarcopenia is an independent risk factor for recurrent fractures after PKP in OVCF patients. The screening and diagnosis of sarcopenia should be strengthened. At the same time, anti-sarcopenia treatment should be actively performed after surgery.

Outcomes of Balloon Kyphoplasty for Vertebral Compression Fractures in Patients with Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis at the Distal End or Adjacent Vertebra of the Fused Segments.

A retrospective cohort study. To investigate the outcomes of balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) for vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) at the distal end or adjacent vertebra of the fused segments in patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). Vertebral fractures in the midportion of the fused segments in patients with DISH are generally unstable; thus, immobilization is recommended. However, VCFs classified as type A in the AO classification are observed at the distal end and adjacent vertebra of the fused segments, and treatment strategies for VCFs associated with DISH remain controversial. The outcomes of 72 patients who underwent BKP for VCFs between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively investigated. Patients with DISH were assigned to group D (n=21), whereas those without DISH were assigned to group ND (n=51). Back pain, incidence of subsequent adjacent fractures, reoperation rates, and local kyphosis were statistically analyzed. VCFs in group D occurred at the distal end or adjacent vertebra of the fused segments, and no fractures occurred in the midportion of the fused segment. Back pain improved in both groups, with no significant differences between them. Subsequent adjacent fractures were observed in three of the 21 patients in group D and 11 of the 51 patients in group ND, with no significant difference between them. Reoperation was performed in one patient each in groups D and ND, with no significant difference between the groups. Postoperatively, local kyphosis progressed significantly in group D. Although local kyphosis is more advanced in patients with DISH, BKP is effective for VCFs at the distal end or adjacent vertebra of the fused segments and may be useful in older patients with high complication rates.

Plasma D-Dimer Levels Can Provide Useful Diagnostic Information on Acute Vertebral Compression Fractures in Patients with Low Back Pain in the Emergency Room

Patients with acute vertebral compression fractures (aVCFs) are frequently transferred to an emergency department by ambulance. The most useful imaging modality is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); however, which patients should be prioritized for MRI evaluation may be unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma D-dimer levels as a biomarker for aVCFs. This retrospective cohort study included patients with low back pain in the emergency department between November 2017 and October 2020. Patients with infections, patients with coagulation disorders, and patients without D-dimer level measurements were excluded. The presence of an aVCF was detected with MRI. Blood samples were collected for routine blood tests. The predictive factors for aVCFs were evaluated with univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Overall, 191 consecutive MRI evaluations were ordered. After exclusions, 101 patients were reviewed. Based on MRI, 65 (64.4%) patients were diagnosed with aVCF. The presence of aVCF was significantly correlated with age (odds ratio [OR]= 1.052, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.018-1.191), an old vertebral compression fracture (OR= 3.290, 95% CI 1.342-8.075), hemoglobin (OR= 0.699, 95% CI 0.535-0.912), and D-dimer levels (OR= 1.829, 95% CI 1.260-2.656). Results from a multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that D-dimer levels (OR= 1.642, 95% CI 1.188-2.228) remained a significant risk factor for the presence of aVCFs after adjustment for potential confounders. Plasma D-dimer levels can provide useful diagnostic information about whether an aVCF is present.

Effectiveness of Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty for Pain Reduction in Patients with Sarcopenia and Osteoporosis

Abstract Purpose Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are common and associated with high morbidity including severe, debilitating pain. Percutaneous vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty is a demonstrated effective treatment for VCF. Sarcopenia has been implicated as a risk factor for VCF and refracture following cement augmentation, and as a risk factor for procedural complications in some populations; however, the effect of sarcopenia on VCF patients undergoing these procedures is unknown. This study aims to improve outcomes and patient selection by investigating the effects of highly common VCF comorbidities. Methods A retrospective study was performed of all patients who underwent vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty for treatment of VCF at a single center from 2007 to 2020. Sarcopenia was quantified by normalized total psoas area (TPA) as measured on computed tomography. The effect of sarcopenia, bone density t-score, and clinical and demographic covariates on periprocedural pain scores was evaluated with linear mixed-effects models. Results Out of 458 procedures performed, 146 and 130 were included in the sarcopenia and osteoporosis analyses, respectively. Sarcopenia and osteoporosis were highly comorbid in VCF patients undergoing vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty. Linear mixed-effects modeling showed no significant association between change in pain score and TPA score (p = 0.827) or bone density t-score (p = 0.818). Conclusion Postprocedural pain reduction after vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty is not associated with the presence or severity of sarcopenia or osteoporosis/osteopenia. Appropriate patient selection remains critical to optimize the risk–benefit ratio of vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty, and sarcopenia and osteoporosis should not be considered contraindications to these procedures.

Prognostic nutritional index and modified frailty index, independent risk factors for recompression in elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

To identify some clinical and laboratory independent risk factors for postoperative recompression among elderly osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 287 elderly OVCF patients after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). Relevant risk factors for recompression were screened and further analyzed through multivariate logistic regression. Within postoperative 1 year, recompression had occurred in 72 patients, with an incidence of 25.1% (72/287). Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that mean spinal BMD < - 2.85 (OR: 4.55, 95%CI 2.22-9.31, P < 0.001), ODI ≥ 68.05% (OR: 6.78, 95%CI 3.16-14.55, P < 0.001), PNI score < 43.1 (OR: 2.81, 95%CI 1.34-5.82, P = 0.005), and mFI score ≥ 0.225 (OR: 8.30, 95%CI 3.14-21.95, P < 0.001) were four distinct risk factors that independently contributed to postoperative recompression. Spinal BMD, ODI, PNI and mFI independently predict recompression in OVCF patients after PVP treatment.

Injection of a PMMA-doped MSC spheroid gel for the treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

We aimed to develop a biocompatible treatment to overcome the limitations of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) vertebroplasty for osteoporotic compression fracture patients. We synthesized an injectable hydrogel containing PMMA. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) spheroids were included in the injectable PMMA-doped gel (= PMMA-doped spheroid gel). In vitro, the osteogenic/anti-inflammatory effects of the embedded spheroids were investigated by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method. In vivo, we used ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporotic rats with injured femurs to investigate the pain-relief effects. The OVX rats were divided into four groups according to the materials injected (non, PMMA, PMMA gel, and PMMA-spheroid gel) into the lesion. The immunofluorescence (IF) intensity levels of painful markers in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were measured. In vitro, a volumetric ratio of the gel of 8 (gel):2 (PMMA) was non-cytotoxic for MSCs and promoted the expression of osteogenic/anti-inflammatory markers. In vivo, the values of several bone parameters in the PMMA-doped spheroid gel group showed remarkable increases compared to those in the PMMA group. In addition, the IF intensity levels of the painful markers were noticeably decreased in the PMMA-spheroid gel group. We, therefore, suggest that this treatment can be useful for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture patients.

A nomogram prediction model for refracture in elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures after percutaneous vertebroplasty.

This study aims to evaluate the risk factors of refracture in elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) patients after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and construct a predictive nomogram model. Elderly symptomatic OVCF patients undergoing PVP were enrolled and grouped based on the development of refracture within 1year postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors. Subsequently, a nomogram prediction model was constructed and evaluated based on these risk factors. A total of 264 elderly OVCF patients were enrolled in the final cohort. Among these, 48 (18.2%) patients had suffered refracture within 1year after surgery. Older age, lower mean spinal BMD, multiple vertebral fracture, lower albumin/fibrinogen ratio (AFR), no postoperative regular anti-osteoporosis, and exercise were six independent risk factors identified for postoperative refracture. The AUC of the constructed nomogram model based on these six factors was 0.812 with a specificity and sensitivity of 0.787 and 0.750, respectively. In summary, the nomogram model based on the six risk factors had clinical efficacy for refracture prediction.

A Prospective Evaluation of Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture Patients.

Background Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) is a common problem in old age, which causes incapacitating pain and leads to significant disability, morbidity, and mortality. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), a minimally invasive procedure, results in immediate pain relief with decreased morbidity. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QOL), as denoted by the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) score. In contrast, the secondary aims were determining pain relief using the 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and vertebral height restoration and wedge angle measurements after PVP. Methodology This prospective, longitudinal, interventional study on the efficacy of PVP was conducted among patients with low back pain due to osteoporotic vertebral collapse in a tertiary care institute. Patients with OVCF were managed by PVP and followed at one week, one month, three months, and six months for improvement in QOL by the RMDQ score and pain relief using the NPRS. The pre and post-vertebroplasty wedge angle and vertebral height (anterior, middle, and posterior columns) at one week and six months were also compared by pre and post-vertebroplasty lateral view skiagrams. Results A total of 24 patients were included in this study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The demographic data were comparable. The RMDQ score showed a statistically significant difference in post-PVP at one week (p = 0.044), one month (p = 0.031), three months (p = 0.022), and six months (p = 0.018). There was a statistically significant difference in the NPRS at six months compared to the pre-PVP status, showing drastic pain relief in patients after PVP. The mean wedge angle (20.5 ± 2.07) measurement was reduced with a statistically significant increase in anterior body height restoration from pre-PVP to six months. There was no significant change in height at the middle and posterior columns compared to the pre-PVP height. Conclusions PVP is an effective, safe, minimally invasive pain and spine intervention for OVCFs with improved QOL and restoration of vertebral height.

Incidence and Prognostic Factors of Painful Vertebral Compression Fracture Caused by Spine Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy.

Most studies of vertebral compression fractures (VCF) caused by stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) do not discuss the symptoms of this complication. In this paper, we aimed to determine the rate and prognostic factors of painful VCF caused by SBRT for spinal metastases. Spinal segments with VCF in patients treated with spine SBRT between 2013 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary endpoint was the rate of painful VCF (grades 2-3). Patient demographic and clinical characteristics were evaluated as prognosticators. In total, 779 spinal segments in 391 patients were analyzed. The median follow-up after SBRT was 18 (range: 1-107) months. Sixty iatrogenic VCFs (7.7%) were identified. The rate of painful VCF was 2.4% (19/779). Eight (1.0%) VCFs required surgery for internal fixation or spinal canal decompression. The painful VCF rate was significantly higher in patients with no posterolateral tumor involvement than in those with bilateral or unilateral involvement (50% vs. 23%; p = 0.042); it was also higher in patients with spine without fixation than in those with fixation (44% vs. 0%; p < 0.001). Painful VCFs were confirmed in only 2.4% of all the irradiated spinal segments. The absence of posterolateral tumor involvement and no fixation was significantly associated with painful VCF.

Re-expansion of vertebral compression fractures in patients with multiple myeloma with percutaneous vertebroplasty using spinejack implants: a preliminary and retrospective study.

To retrospectively evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of vertebroplasty using Spinejack implantation for the treatment and stabilization of painful vertebral compression fractures, in patients diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (MM), to allow both an effective pain reduction and a global structural spine stabilization. From July 2017 and May 2022 thirty-nine patients diagnosed MM, with forty-nine vertebral compression fractures underwent percutaneous Vertebroplasty using Spinejack Implants. We analyzed the feasibility and complications of the procedure, the decrease in pain using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Functional Mobility Scale (FMS). The technical success rate was 100%. No procedure-related major complications or death occurred. In the 6-month follow-up, the mean VAS score decreased from 5.4 ± 1.0 to 0.2 ± 0.5 with a mean reduction of 96.3%. FMS decreased from 2.3 ± 0.5 vs. 1.2 ± 0.4 with a mean reduction of -47.8%. There were no major complications related to incorrect positioning of the Expandable Titanium SpineJack Implants. In five patients, a cement leak was observed with no associated clinical manifestations. The average length of hospital stay was 6-8 Hours6.6 ± 1.2 h. No new bone fractures or local disease recurrence occurred during a median contrast-enhanced CT follow-up of 6 months. Our results suggest that vertebroplasty, using Spinejack implantation for the treatment and stabilization of painful vertebral compression fractures, secondary to Multiple Myeloma is a safe and effective procedure with long - term pain relief and restoration of vertebral height.

The effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on the prognosis of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with osteoporotic fracture classification after vertebroplasty

BackgroundTo analyze the clinical and radiological effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus on the prognosis of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty, and explore the prognostic value of osteoporotic fracture classification.MethodsOsteoporotic vertebral compression fracture patients who received vertebroplasty from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021 were divided into type 2 diabetes mellitus group and control group in this retrospective cohort study. Visual analogue scale, Oswestry Disability Index, bone cement leakage, new compression fracture, anterior, middle, and posterior portion heights of vertebral body and local Cobb angle on X-ray before surgery, 2 days after surgery, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery were recorded, and the osteoporotic fracture classification was performed. P < 0.05 was set as statistical significance.ResultsA total of 261 vertebral bodies were included, containing 68 in the type 2 diabetes mellitus group and 193 in the control group. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. At 6 months after vertebroplasty, the local Cobb angle of the type 2 diabetes mellitus group was 8.29 ± 4.90° greater than that of the control group 6.05 ± 5.18° (P = 0.002). At 12 months, compared with pre-operation, the anterior portion height recovered 8.13 ± 12.90%, which was less than 12.51 ± 14.92% of the control group (P = 0.032), and 19.07 ± 16.47% of the middle portion height recovery was less than the control group’s 24.63 ± 17.67% (P = 0.024). Compared with the control group, osteoporotic fracture 2 vertebral bodies of the type 2 diabetes mellitus group at 12 months postoperatively in middle portion height (14.82 ± 14.71% vs 24.78 ± 18.16%, P = 0.023) and local Cobb angle (5.65 ± 4.06° vs 3.26 ± 4.86°, P = 0.043) restored significantly worse. Besides, osteoporotic fracture 3 with type 2 diabetes mellitus restored worse in anterior portion height (5.40 ± 11.02% vs 13.57 ± 12.79%, P = 0.008), middle portion height (11.22 ± 15.53% vs 17.84 ± 12.36%, P = 0.041) and local Cobb angle (10.85 ± 3.79 vs 7.97 ± 3.83°, P = 0.002) at 12 months postoperatively. There was no difference in radiological outcomes of osteoporotic fracture 4 between the two groups.ConclusionsThe degree of fractured vertebral compression, the recovery of the height and angle obtained immediately after surgery and the clinical symptoms in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were not different from those in the control. However, vertebral body morphology of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was worse since the sixth month after surgery. Osteoporotic fracture classification has a good prognostic reference value for both the control and the type 2 diabetes mellitus population.

Evaluation of biopsy results during vertebral augmentation in patients with a known history of malignancy.

To evaluate biopsy results during vertebral augmentation in vertebral compression fracture (VCF) patients with a known history of malignancy. An analysis of vertebral augmentation between 2012 and 2021 was performed retrospectively. Each level of VCF was biopsied, and all biopsies were sent for histopathological analyses. Imaging evaluation was performed in collaboration with an oncologist, a spine surgeon, and a radiologist. Patients were divided into two groups based on the preoperative imaging findings. Malignant VCF (MVCF) was presumed in group A, while osteoporotic VCF (OVCF) was presumed in group B. One hundred and fifty-six VCF patients with a known history of malignancy were included. Group A included 91 patients with preoperative imaging findings suspicious for MVCF. And 73 patients were finally diagnosed as MVCF, with biopsy results confirming imaging findings. The incidence of MVCF was 46.8%. Group B included 65 patients with imaging evidence of OVCF. And all biopsy results were negative for malignancy. The sensitivity of imaging evaluation for finding MVCF was 100%, and the specificity was 78.3%. A combination of X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sufficient to distinguish MVCF from OVCF. Biopsy is not required to confirm the diagnosis during vertebral augmentation, if the imaging findings do not indicate MVCF in patients with a known history of malignancy. It is recommended to perform a biopsy in patients with preoperative imaging findings suspicious for MVCF. • A combination of X-ray, CT, and MRI is sufficient to distinguish MVCF from OVCF. • Biopsy is not required in patients without imaging signs of MVCF. • Biopsy is recommended in patients with imaging findings suspicious for MVCF.

Application of tomosynthesis for vertebral compression fracture diagnosis and bone healing assessment in fracture liaison services.

Early identification of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) is crucial for successful secondary fracture prevention. Tomosynthesis, a low-dose tomographic imaging technique, may facilitate the evaluation and long-term follow-up of VCFs in patients with osteoporosis. Herein, we compared the performances of plain radiography and tomosynthesis for VCF diagnosis and healing assessment in patients enrolled in fracture liaison services in our hospital. Forty-nine patients with new VCFs at the T10–L5 levels were prospectively recruited between August 2018 and May 2020; all patients underwent thoracolumbar plain radiography and tomosynthesis. We evaluated the accuracy of the VCF diagnosis, image quality, and VCFs healing process. Tomosynthesis identified 90 levels of VCF in 49 patients, while plain radiography revealed only 87.8% (79/90) of them. There were 44.9% (22/49) patients with neglected chronic VCFs as seen on tomosynthesis. Tomosynthesis images had improved VCF diagnostic accuracy up to 12.2% and showed significantly more anatomic details than plain radiography. For diagnosis of VCFs, the performance of plain radiographs was poorer than that of tomosynthesis images (plain radiographs: sensitivity 84%, specificity 93.5%, false positive rate 6.5%, and false negative rate 16%; tomosynthesis: sensitivity 93.2%, specificity 100%, false positive rate 0%, and false negative 6.8%), using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as gold standard. The Kappa coefficient between Tomosynthesis and MRI is 0.956 while between radiography and MRI is 0.704. Tomosynthesis showed significantly more anatomic details than plain radiography and all the examiners revealed a clear preference for tomosynthesis. Tomosynthesis scored 3.3 times higher on the fracture healing assessment at the 3-month follow-up than plain radiographs. Tomosynthesis is a promising tool for VCF screening and diagnosis in patients with osteoporosis and for monitoring fracture healing status at a low radiation dose and cost.

195. A comparison of mortality following vertebral compression fractures in patients with or without vertebral augmentation

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> With advancing age, there is a natural diminution of bone density. Aging is also associated with the development of other chronic medical conditions. The expected loss of bone density in aging patients brings an increased frequency of vertebral compression fractures; when combined with an increased presence of multiple comorbid conditions, these patients may be at a higher risk of mortality and morbidity following a compression fracture. One of the mechanisms of this is worsening physiological deconditioning that may be associated from the loss of mobility secondary to pain from a new fracture. Vertebral augmentation, such as balloon kyphoplasty, is performed to relieve pain in this patient cohort. With a reduction in pain, there is the expectation that patients may regain a degree of function and mobility, and thus avoid the risks associated with debility in elderly patients with various chronic medical conditions. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> The purpose of this study was thus to retrospectively evaluate patients who had sustained vertebral compression fractures, with the intent of comparing mortality rates in those with or without vertebral augmentation. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> This was a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients over a 5-year period. The study was performed at a Level I trauma center. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> A cohort of 2,829 patients were included, this was based on diagnosis codes for vertebral compression fractures, and a subgroup of 110 patients who has received vertebral augmentation, based on procedures codes was extracted from within the initial cohort. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Presence of compression fracture, presence of vertebral augmentation procedure, mortality. <h3>METHODS</h3> Following approval from the local Institutional Review Board, consecutive patients who sustained vertebral compression fractures between the 5-year period between 01/01/2015 to 12/31/2019 were identified using diagnosis codes. These patients were then further stratified based on procedure codes to determine whether or not they had vertebral augmentation. A univariate analysis will be performed to examine quantitative variables using central tendency and variation. Qualitative variables will be examined by frequencies and counts. Variables collected will also be descriptively analyzed by time and measures of association will be analyzed between variable pairings. The primary outcome of mortality will be investigated between two cohorts by a Chi-square test or Fisher's Exact test. A survival analysis may be performed to analyze significant differences between cohorts. All tests will be two-sided where appropriate with an alpha of 0.05 to determine statistical significance. Results will also be presented graphically when appropriate. <h3>RESULTS</h3> The study population was composed of 1,406 (49.70%) females and 1,423 (50.30%) males. Comparing the mortality between patients that received a kyphoplasty or not, a statistically significant association was found where 21.82% of patients that received a kyphoplasty were deceased and 13.68% of patients that did not receive a kyphoplasty were deceased (p=0.0159). The mean age in years of 110 kyphoplasty patients was 71.65 (95% CI 69.40-73.89). A survival analysis was conducted to test the equality of mortality estimates between subjects that received a kyphoplasty or not. No significant differences were found between the strata of survival between both groups using a log-rank test of equality (p=0.7138) Fracture type and mortality's associations with comorbidities were examined by chi-square and Fisher's-exact statistics. Significant associations were found between mortality and diabetes (p=0.0145) and renal disease (p=0.0036). Frequencies and percentages for each association examined can be observed in the excel attachment. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> One of the most striking features of this cohort was the relatively small proportions of patients having augmentation procedures. Patients with compression fractures vary, and there may be a degree of self-selection, as the amount of pain and debility varies; those who remain functional, and presumably in a better state of health despite a fracture (will frequently not even be aware of the presence of a fracture), will likely not undergo a vertebral augmentation. Also surprising was the fact that mortality was greater in the procedure group, although the intrinsic differences in the patient groups would account for this. The presence of comorbid conditions was associated with a heightened risk of mortality, specifically in patients with diabetes and renal disease. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Evaluation of Postoperative Analgesia in Patients with Thoracolumbar Compression Fracture without Nerve Injury by CT using Filtered Back Projection Reconstruction Algorithm

To study computed tomography (CT) images based on filtered back projection (FBP) reconstruction algorithm, and analyze the clinical efficacy of dexmedetomidine (Dex) combined with dezocine in thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures patients without nerve injury during surgery, 75 patients with thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures were divided into the experimental group (dexmedetomidine combined with dezocine intravenous injection) and the control group (dezocine intravenous injection). The anterior/middle vertebral height and kyphotic angle, assessment of thoracolumbar function (Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score) (JOA)/pain level (visual analogue scale) (VAS), onset of sensory block/palinesthesia/post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay/duration of anesthesia, dosage of intravenous analgesic drugs/rate of supplementary analgesics, adverse reactions, and other indicators were observed. It found that CT image was clearer and the resolution was higher after algorithm processing; after treatment, the height of anterior/middle vertebral height in the experimental group was greater than that in the control group, P &lt; 0.05; JOA was greater than that in the control group, and VAS score was less than that in the control group, P &lt; 0.05; the time of onset of sensory block/palinesthesia/PACU stay, the dosage of intravenous analgesic drugs/the rate of supplementary analgesic drugs, incidence of adverse reactions were less than those in the control group, and duration of anesthesia was greater than that in the control group, P &lt; 0.05. Therefore, this drug has a significant analgesic effect on patients with thoracolumbar fracture after surgery.

Rapid measurement of thoracolumbar kyphosis with the integrated inclinometer of a smartphone: a validity and reliability study

The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy, reliability, and time requirements of two methods for measuring thoracolumbar kyphosis: a conventional method using a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and this new method using the integrated inclinometer of a smartphone. The thoracolumbar kyphotic angles of one hundred consecutive patients were measured by a PACS and this novel smartphone method. The measured angles were analysed by multiple statistical methods, and the two measurement tools were compared in terms of accuracy, reliability, and time requirements. The mean result of thoracolumbar kyphosis measured by the PACS was 21.43 ± 12.96°, and the mean value measured by the smartphone was 21.03 ± 13.01°. A Bland–Altman plot for these two methods showed a mean difference of 0.4°, with the limits of agreement being -2.4° and 3.2°. One-way ANOVA showed no significant difference (F = 0.080, P = 0.999) among measurements by different observers and different methods. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of the mean values of four repeated measurements of thoracolumbar kyphosis between these two methods were 0.997 (0.995–0.998), revealing that the two methods were highly correlated. The ICC results showed that the concordance between these two methods was very good for all measurements of thoracolumbar kyphosis, and the inter- and intra-observer reliability of the novel smartphone method were very good. The PACS method (36.95 ± 0.98 s) took significantly longer than the smartphone method (17.68 ± 0.97 s) when compared by an independent-samples t test (P = 0.000). This new method using the integrated inclinometer of a smartphone has satisfactory validity and reliability compared to the PACS method. Additionally, the new method took significantly less time than the PACS method. Measuring with a smartphone is more convenient than using a PACS, which is always rooted in a full-sized computer. In summary, this new method using the integrated inclinometer of a smartphone is rapid, convenient, accurate and reliable when measuring thoracolumbar kyphosis in osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) patients.

Effects of percutaneous vertebroplasty on respiratory parameters in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

Background: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) often occur in patients with osteoporosis. These fractures can also lead to postural changes. Several studies have shown that patients with vertebral compression fractures have a restrictive pattern in their pulmonary function. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is the standard treatment for vertebral compression fractures, with the benefits of pain relief and enhancement of vertebral stability for partially collapsed vertebral bodies. However, the effects of PVP on short-term recovery of respiratory performance have not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the changes in pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), and chest mobility in patients with vertebral compression fractures after PVP. Methods: This research was approved by the clinic committee of the E-DA Hospital Institutional Review Board (EMRP07109N) and registered in the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20211029005). We recruited 32 VCF patients. Four-time points were measured: before and after PVP and 1 and 3 weeks after PVP. We measured pulmonary function and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) by using spirometry. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by using a respiratory pressure meter. The chest expansion test was used to evaluate chest mobility. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess resting and aggravated back pain. Results: Chest expansion and back pain improved at each time point after PVP. MVV showed significant progress at both 1 and 3 weeks after discharge. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and maximal inspiratory muscle strength significantly improved 1 week after discharge. Conclusion: Taking all the data together, PVP not only can resolve severe back pain but can also provide excellent improvements in MVV and chest mobility in patients with vertebral compression fractures.