Balloon Kyphoplasty: An Effective Treatment for Kummell Disease?

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of balloon kyphoplasty for treating Kummel disease accompanying severe osteoporosis. METHODS Twelve patients with single-level Kummell disease accompanied by severe osteoporosis were enrolled in this investigation. After postural reduction for 1 or 2 days, balloon kyphoplasty was performed on the collapsed vertebrae. Clinical results, radiological parameters, and related complications were assessed at 7 days, 1 month and 6 months after the procedure. RESULTS Prior to kyphoplasty, the mean pain score (according to the visual analogue scale) was 8.0. Seven days after the procedure, this score improved to 2.5. Despite the significant improvement compared to preoperative value, the score increased to 4.0 at 6 months after the procedure. The mean preoperative vertebral height loss was 55.4%. Kyphoplasty reduced this loss to 31.6%, but it increased to 38.7% at 6 months after the procedure. The kyphotic angle improved significantly from 22.4°±4.9° (before the procedure) to 10.1°±3.8° after surgery, However, the improved angle was not maintained 6 months after the procedure. The mean correction loss for the kyphotic deformity was 7.2° at 6 months after the procedure. Three out of 12 patients sustained adjacent fractures after balloon kyphoplasty within 6 months. CONCLUSION Although balloon kyphoplasty for treating Kummell disease is known to provide stabilization and pain relief, it may be associated with the development of adjacent fractures and aggravated kyphosis.