Abstract
Introduction: To assess the efficacy of posterior spinal shortening for paraparetic or pseudarthrosis patients following vertebral collapse owing to osteoporosis.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-four patients treated with posterior spinal shortening were examined retrospectively. All complications were recorded and analyzed in relation to radiological and clinical outcomes. The group consisted of six men and 18 women aged 57 to 87 years, with a mean age of 75 years. The follow-up period ranged from three to 44 months (average 24 months).
Result: Time of surgery ranged from 185 to 460 minutes, with an average of 307 minutes. Perioperative bleeding ranged from 174 to 3400 g, with an average of 1100 g. The angle of kyphosis was 16.5°; before surgery, 5.2° after, and 8.5° in the last follow-up. 8.2° in the final period. The amount of correction was 11.3°, and correction loss was 3.0°. The mean thoracic JOA score improved from 5.6 points preoperatively to 7.8 points postoperatively.
Discussion: Vertebral compression fractures in osteoporosis are thought to be caused by comparatively minor forces, and are characterized by the late development and slow progression of paraplegia. Posterior spinal shortening can be a choice for treating both delayed paraparesis and pseudarthrosis following vertebral collapse owing to osteoporosis.
