ObjectiveTo compare the difference of X ray projection volume and operative time when using two different positioning methods in percutaneous kyphoplasty to treat elderly osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF) patients.MethodsSixty-eight(75 vertebraes) patients who underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty were divided into two groups,34 cases(39 vertebraes) underwent self-made fluoremeter (group A) comparing with the other 34 patients (36 vertebraes ) without using locator (group B).X ray projection volume,operation time and recovery of exterior edge height were compared.ResultsDuring locating the puncture point,the X ray projection volume in group A [( 196.92 ± 10.93)mA·s]was significantly less than that in group B [(826.67 ± 25.89 ) mA·s](P ＜ 0.05 ).The operation time in group A[(30.82 ±0.56) min]was significantly less than that in group B [(56.08 ±0.93) min](P＜ 0.05).The recovery of exterior edge height at 3 months after operation had no significant difference between two groups [(2.47 ± 0.18 ) mm vs.(2.09 ± 0.21 ) mm](P ＞ 0.05 ).ConclusionsThe self-made fluoremeter can save operation time and reduce the X ray projection volume.It is an effective way to treat OVCF patients undergoing percutaneous kyphoplasty.