A case involving a newly developed radiculopathy after percutaneous vertebral drilling for lumbar compression fractures

Abstract

Percutaneous vertebral drilling (PVD) for acute lumbar compression fractures ameliorates back pain and promotes rehabilitation. However, its effect on spinal construction and function has not been sufficiently evaluated. We report a case involving a newly developed radiculopathy after PVD. A 67-year-old woman presented with back pain and right fourth-lumbar (L4) radiculopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed vertebral compression fractures at L2 and L3. The patient was hospitalized immediately, and continuous epidural block was initiated. Despite treatment, severe back pain persisted, and hence, PVD on L2 and L3 was performed. The patient was able to ambulate more easily while wearing a lumbosacral corset after the operation; however, she reported pain in the right leg. This was diagnosed as a newly developed radiculopathy. Although we could not definitively determine when the new radiculopathy developed during the continuous epidural block, PVD may have influenced this development. It is, therefore, important to evaluate the chronological progression of fractures and radiculopathies via radiography and MRI.