OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effects of posterior spinal transpedicular wedge osteotomy for kyphosis due to delayed osteoporotic vertebral fracture in elderly.

METHODSFrom July 2009 to February 2014,26 patients with kyphosis caused by delayed osteoporotic vertebral fracture were treated with transpedicular wedge osteotomy. There were 10 males and 16 females,aged from 55 to 75 years old with an average of 67 years. There were 1 osteotomy in thoracic vertebra,21 osteotomies in thoracolumbar vertebrae and 4 in lumbar vertebrae. Total 29 vertebrae were involved, 23 cases with single vertebral fracture and 3 cases with double vertebral fractures. Preoperative Cobb angles were 32°~51° with the mean of (42.00 ± 4.75) ° and VAS scores were 6 to 9 points with an average of (8.40 ± 0.75) points. According to the Frankel grade of spinal cord function, 4 cases were grade D and 22 cases were grade E. Intraoperative bleeding, operation time and perioperative complications were recorded, and improvements of Cobb angle were evaluated by X-rays. VAS score and Frankel grade were respectively used to evaluate the pain and nerve function.

RESULTSThe average operation time were 155 min (ranged, 120 to 175) and the mean intraoperative bleeding were 1 100 ml (ranged,800 to 1 500). Postoperative at 2 days, Cobb angle and VAS score were (9.60 ± 2.50) ° and (4.00 ± 1.00) points, respectively, ranged from 5° to 15° and 1 to 5 points. VAS score and Cobb angle improved obviously compared with preoperative (P < 0.05), and the improvement rate of Cobb angle was 76%. Frankel grade of 1 case changed from grade E to C, and the others did not become worse. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 24 months with an average of 16.4 months. At the final follow-up, Cobb angles and VAS score were (11.00 ± 3.50)° and (4.40 ± 1.25) points, respectively, ranged from 5° to 19° and 1 to 6 points. The patient whose Frankel grade E changed to C at 2 days after surgery and changed to grade D at the latest follow-up. Vertebral body fracture below the fusion level happened in 1 case at 3 months after surgery, vertebral body fracture above the fusion level happened in 1 case at 5 months after surgery, and their chest pain symptoms were relieved after symptomatic treatment and anti osteoporosis treatment. All osteotomy levels obtained fusion which confirmed by X-ray and no internal fixation loosening and breakage were found.

CONCLUSIONThe clinical effect of posterior transpedicular wedge osteotomy for kyphosis due to delayed osteoporotic vertebral fracture was satisfactory, but manipulation during the operation should be cautious and prevent adjacent vertebral body fracture should be pay attention to prevent.