Abstract
Introduction: Balloon Kyphoplasty (BKP) is a useful surgical method for reducing back pain due to osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) and its non-union. However, adjacent vertebral fracture (AVF) following BKP is a major problem. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between AVF and BKP, vertebral instability (VI) and intervertebral cleft (IC).
Methods: The study comprised 65 patients (9 male and 56 female, average age 80.3 years) who underwent BKP for non-union of OVF from 2016 to 2018 in our hospital. We recorded AVF, VI-affected vertebra and the location of IC-affected vertebra.
Results: The incidence of AVF was 12% (8/65). There was no statistically significant correlation between VI-affected vertebra and AVF. Patients with IC located at upper sites suffered AVF at upper vertebra of BKP vertebra. Conversely, patients with IC located at lower sites suffered AVF at lower vertebra of BKP vertebra. Patients with IC located at the center of vertebra experienced AVF.
Discussion: Many risk factors for AVF following BKP have been discussed. Although AVF could not be prevented completely, its location could be predicted using the location of IC. This may assist with the planning of appropriate postoperative treatment.
Conclusion: The location of AVF may be predicted by the location of IC.
