OBJECTIVEThrough an analysis of the effect of PKP (percutaneous kyphosis plasty) for aged osteoporotic spinal multiple fracture to demonstrate the importance of the selection of responsible veterbal body.

METHODSTwenty-four consecutive procedures were performed in 19 aged patients with osteoporotic spinal compression fractures from May 2004 to October 2007. The 24 responsible veterbal bodies were confirmed by the manifestations of MRI, X-ray, physical examination before the procedures. Established work path through hibateral vertebral arch, put into saccule, poured in bone cement under X-ray perspective. To observe the condition about symptom improving, fractured reduction and complications after operation.

RESULTSThe operations were successfully completed and the pain released obviously at 2 days after operation. The patients can walk next day after operation and no complication found. The mean loss percent of the anterior and middle vertebal heights were respectively (34.22 +/- 11.51)% and (26.53 +/- 11.61)% before operation,postoperative were respectively (13.21 +/- 11.43)% and (15.10 +/- 6.50)%. The mean kyphosis corrected from (24.50 +/- 3.10) degrees to (8.70 +/- 4.30) degrees; the VAS scores decreased from 83.00 +/- 6.00 to 27.00 +/- 5.00. There was significant difference between before and after operation (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSPKP for aged osteoporotic spinal multiple fractures by selecting true veterbal body has satisfactory clinical efficacy. We should emphasize the importance of the selectivity of responsible veterbal body in the procedures. It needs three essential elements: (1) Obviously spinous process tenderness and rap pain. (2) X-rays showed veterbal body compression fracture; MR showed low signal in veterbal body by T1WI, and high signal by T2WI, STIR. (3) The manifestation of radiology can be explained clearly by clinical symptomes arid signs.