Kyphoplasty for occult and non-occult osteoporotic vertebral fractures: a retrospective study

Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of kyphoplasty in the treatment of occult and non-occult osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OOVF). Material and Methods From 2015 to 2017, 82 OOVF and 105 non-occult osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (N-OOVF) were evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and vertebral height preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and one year postoperatively. Operative time, fluoroscopy time, and cement injection volume were recorded. Results Compared with the preoperative VAS and ODI scores, the scores of both groups were significantly improved after surgery. Preoperative ODI and VAS scores of the OOVF were lower than those of the N-OOVF. The operative time, fluoroscopy time, and bone cement injection volume of the OOVF were significantly lower than those of the N-OOVF. Vertebral height of the N-OOVF improved significantly after surgery. There were differences in cement leakage and adjacent vertebral fractures between the two groups. Conclusion Compared with N-OOVF, OOVF are safer with kyphoplasty, and it is necessary to diagnose OOVF in a timely manner.