OBJECTIVETo evaluate the middle-long-term clinical effects of unilateral and bilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP) for vertebral fragility fracture in the elderly.

METHODSThe clinical data in elderly patients with vertebral fragility fracture treated by unilateral and bilateral PKP between January 2008 and January 2010 was retrospective analyzed. According to a unified criteria to divided into two groups for 104 patients(44 males and 60 females), of them, 50 cases were divided in unilateral group using unilateral pedicle surgical approach for PKP and 54 cases were in bilateral group using bilateral pedicle approach. VAS score, Cobb angle, and the height of anterior and posterior vertebral body were respectively analyzed peroperatively and at 3 d, 3 months, 1 year, 3 years postoperatively and final follow-up. Clinical effects and safety were assessed in two groups.

RESULTSAll the operations were successful. Operative time and bone cement injection volume in unilateral group were less than those of bilateral group(<0.05). Postoperative VAS scores, Cobb angle, and the height of anterior and posterior vertebral body were obviously improved in two groups(<0.05), and there was no significant difference between two groups(>0.05). Bone cement leakage occurred in 12 cases(11.5%), recurrent fracture of vertebral body occurred in 5 cases(4.8%), cerebrospinal leak occurred in 2 cases(1.9%), and nerve root irritation occurred in 3 cases(2.9%). The above complications were transient and released after symptomatic treament.

CONCLUSIONSMiddle-long-term clinical effects of unilateral and bilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty for vertebral fragility fracture are safe and satisfactory, and may be extended as a minimally invasive method. Unilateral approach for PKP has advantages of short operation time, relative less trauma, thus is a more ideal method.