Comparison between unilateral curved and bilateral straight percutaneous vertebral augmentation in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: A meta-analysis

Objectives: The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of unilateral curved and bilateral straight percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).Materials and methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search from electronic databases including Springer, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library databases and ScienceDirect up to July 2022. Three randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) and one retrospective study which met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Results: There were significant differences in the operative time, injected bone cement volume, bone cement leakage rate and X-ray frequency between the bilateral straight PVA and unilateral curved PVA. No significant differences were found regarding postoperative Cobb angle, Visual Analog Scale or Oswestry Disability Index between the two groups.Conclusion: Compared to bilateral straight PVA, unilateral curved PVA may decrease operative time, injected bone cement volume, bone cement leakage rate, and X-ray frequency in the treatment of OVCFs. However, the Cobb angle, pain, and clinical scores are comparable. Due to the limited quality and data of the evidence currently available, more high-quality RCTs are required.