Management of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures with Stentoplasty

Study Design: A prospective study of clinical and radiographic results after vertebral body stenting (VBS) for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of stentoplasty as a new technique to treat symptomatic VCFs. Background Data: Conventional balloon kyphoplasty is a procedure meant to treat osteoporotic and/or cancer related VCFs. However, there is an inherent technical problem with the amount of reduction. When filling the balloons, an acceptable reduction is achieved. However, the resulting final reduction after cementing is approximately 25% lower due to partial collapse after balloon deflation. To address this issue, a newer technique—based on the principles of balloon kyphoplasty and vascular stenting—has been introduced. Methods: A total of 52 patients with 73 symptomatic VCFs were enrolled in our study of VBS. Clinical outcomes were measured preand postoperatively using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and ambulatory status (AS). All outcomes were assessed before the procedure and at 1, 12, 24, and 36 weeks postoperatively. Results: The median VAS scores went from 10.0 preoperatively to 1.0 at last follow-up. The preoperative ODI score was 80 preoperatively, but improved to 18 at last follow-up. The ability to move independently and ease of ambulation significantly improved after the procedure (P ≤ 0.001). The median kyphosis angle was 15.0 degrees preoperatively and decreased by a median of 4.5 degrees postoperatively. Conclusion: Patients with symptomatic VCFs had significant improvements in back pain, function, and quality of life following VBS.