Abstract
Since 1996, we have treated osteoporotic vertebral fractures and the pseudoarthrosis by transpedicular injection of calcium phosphate cement (CPC) into the vertebral body. The fate of the CPC in the vertebral body and the long term clinical benefits are unknown, although excellent short-term results have been reported. The case files of 6 patients (5 females, 1 male) with osteoporotic vertebral fractures treated with the CPC injection were reviewed clinically and radiologically. The average age at operation was 62.8 years and the average follow-up period was 77 months (range 49-84 months). There were no reports of low-back in any patient during follow-up. Radiological examinations revealed that the postoperative loss of correction appeared as vertebral wedging deformity (average 12%), but continued loss was not observed after 3 months. Excellent clinical and radiological results were maintained over the 3-year follow-up period. The CPC absorption was limited to marginal areas contrary to our expectations.
