An Analysis of Vertebral Fracture after Surgical Treatment in Delayed Paraparesis Following Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture

Abstract

Over a period of 14 years from 1986 to 2000, we surgically treated 42 cases of delayed paraparesis following osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Anterior decompression and spinal fusion using instrumentation were performed on 15 patients, posterior decompression and fixation using Luque rod on 26 patients, and postlateral lumbar fusion with pedicle screwing on one, Seven cases of other vertebral fractures were observed after operation. The interval between operation and fracture recognized radiographically ranged from 5 to 37 months (mean, 17 months). Although these cases were treated conservatively, more careful observation is necessary in osteoporotic spines.