Comparison of effectiveness of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in patients with osteoporotic vertebra fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty in patients with osteoporotic vertebra fractures. METHODS: The files of the patients who underwent vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebrae fractures were retrieved from the archives. Forty-three patients with complete follow-up data were included in the study group. The patients were evaluated for radiological outcomes in terms of local kyphosis angle, wedging index, compression ratio, visual analog pain scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS: In the study group, kyphoplasty was performed on 24 vertebrae of 22 patients (17 females, 5 males; mean age: 73 years) whereas vertebroplasty was applied on 24 vertebrae of 21 (16 females, 5 males; mean age: 74.7 years) patients. The mean follow-up time was 26 months. When the VAS and ODI values of the groups were analyzed, both groups showed statistically significant progress after the operation. Radiological data showed that the kyphoplasty group showed statistically significant improvement in the sagittal index values whereas the vertebroplasty group did not. The overall complication ratio was 4%. CONCLUSION: Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are effective treatment methods for functional recovery and pain relief in osteoporotic fractures of the vertebra. Although radiological outcomes of the kyphoplasty seem to be better, this does not have any clinical relevance. We suggest vertebroplasty over kyphoplasty since it is an easier method to manage. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic study.

Comparison of femur intertrochanteric fracture fixation with hemiarthroplasty and proximal femoral nail systems.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of intertrochanteric femur fractures treated with proximal femoral nail (PFN) and bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BPH) in elderly patients. METHODS: A total of one hundred and forty-three patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures treated surgically between January 2008 and January 2012 were included into the study. Patient demographics, type of fracture according to Association for Osteosynthesis/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) classification, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification system scores; type of surgical procedure (BPH or PFN), operative details, complications and follow-up scores (Harris Hip Score [HHS]; Mean Mobility Score [MMS]) were recorded. RESULTS: The preoperative characteristics of the patients in both PFN and BPH groups were similar. BPH had higher operation times, blood loss in operation and mortality rates (p<0.005). Reoperation times were higher in PFN group (p<0.005). There were no differences with regard to the HHS and the reduction in MMS at the last follow-up with a 30.4 (10.9) months follow-up (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Although both PFN and BPH had satisfactory outcomes in surgically treated patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures, we recommend intertrochanteric femur fractures in the elderly tobe treated with PFN; which is an effective and appropriate treatment modality with less surgery related trauma and lower mortality rates.