Osteoporotic vertebral fractures: A diagnostic challenge in the 21ST century. / Fracturas vertebrales osteoporóticas: un reto diagnóstico en el siglo XXI.

Vertebral fractures are the most prevalent osteoporotic fractures and are paradoxically the most underdiagnosed. While only one-third of patients have acute pain, they can present other associated chronic complications. Vertrebal fractures are associated with the onset of new fractures, both vertebral and nonvertebral. Radiography of the dorsal-lumbar spine is a useful tool for detecting them but depends on the subjective interpretation of the physician conducting the assessment. New techniques, such as vertebral morphometry, have recently demonstrated greater efficacy in detecting v vertebral fractures and are performed concomitantly with bone densitometry. Knowing how to identify vertebral fractures is essential for the secondary prevention of new fractures and improving our patients' quality of life.

[Spinal cord injuries resulting from diving accidents in the Canary Islands]. / Lesión medular secundaria a zambullida en Canarias.

OBJECTIVE: Diving accidents is one of the leading causes of spinal cord injury after falls and car accidents. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of these patients in our setting to better prevent these injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective, descriptive study of patients who have suffered from a traumatic spinal cord injury after a diving accident in the Canary Islands, Spain from 2000 to 2014. These patients were admitted to the Spinal Cord Unit of Hospital Universitario Insular de Gran Canaria. RESULTS: Of the 264 patients admitted to our unit for acute traumatic spinal cord injury, 23 (8.7%) cases were due to diving. Grouping the patients into 5years periods, 56% of the injuries occurred in 2000-2005, 17% in 2006-2010 and 26% in 2011-2014. All patients were male, with a mean age of 29years. Approximately 65% were under 30years. A total of 22/23 patients had a fracture and injury most commonly occurred to the C5 vertebra. Burst fractures were the most common. A total of 86% of cases underwent surgery. All the spinal cord injuries were cervical, with C6 being the neurological level most often affected. A total of 65% of spinal cord injuries were complete injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal cord injury secondary to diving accidents is the third leading cause of traumatic spinal cord injury in our setting. It affects young males and the most common clinical presentation is a complete cervical spinal cord injury. Given the irreversible nature of the injury, prevention, aimed mainly at young people, is of great importance.

Evaluation, differential diagnosis and treatment of vertebral osteoporosis: How to avoid the occurrence of new fractures. / Evaluación, diagnóstico diferencial y tratamiento de la osteoporosis vertebral: cómo evitar la aparición de nuevas fracturas.

Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent and multifactorial disease whose main manifestation is the appearance of fragility or low-impact fractures. The most frequent locations of osteoporotic fractures occur at the vertebrae, femoral, distal end of the radius and humerus. Osteoporotic vertebral fracture deserves special mention among them due to its prevalence, importance as it often goes unnoticed and medium-long term consequences are: pain, deformity, disability and deterioration in quality of life. In this review we will focus on the classification and initial evaluation of the patient with osteoporosis, estimation of risk factors, laboratory and imaging studies for an adequate assessment using simple radiography, dual densitometry and magnetic resonance imaging. We will also address the main aspects of the differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention of vertebral fragility fracture, briefly reviewing the main therapeutic agents currently used for its prevention and treatment.

[Translated article] Evaluation, differential diagnosis and treatment of vertebral osteoporosis: How to avoid the occurrence of new fractures.

Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent and multifactorial disease whose main manifestation is the appearance of fragility or low-impact fractures. The most frequent locations of osteoporotic fractures occur at the vertebrae, femoral, distal end of the radius and humerus. Osteoporotic vertebral fracture deserves special mention among them due to its prevalence, importance as it often goes unnoticed and medium-long term consequences are: pain, deformity, disability and deterioration in quality of life. In this review we will focus on the classification and initial evaluation of the patient with osteoporosis, estimation of risk factors, laboratory and imaging studies for an adequate assessment using simple radiography, dual densitometry and magnetic resonance imaging. We will also address the main aspects of the differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention of vertebral fragility fracture, briefly reviewing the main therapeutic agents currently used for its prevention and treatment.

Management of Spinal Deformities Caused by Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures. / Manejo de la deformidad espinal en el contexto de fracturas por compresión vertebral osteoporóticas.

Osteoporosis and fragility play a significant role in the treatment and planning of patients with deformity secondary to osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF). The resulting deformity can present significant challenges for its management, both from a medical and surgical perspective. The need for a specific classification for these deformities, including the potential for the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning in predictive analysis, is emerging as a key point in the coming years. Relevant aspects in preoperative optimization and management of these patients are addressed. A classification with therapeutic guidance for the management of spinal deformity secondary to OVF is developed, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment. Flexibility and sagittal balance are considered key aspects. On the other hand, we recommend, especially with these fragile patients, management with minimally invasive techniques to promote rapid recovery and reduce the number of complications.

Anatomical and biomechanical factors of osteoporotic vertebral fracture and the occurrence of cascade fractures. / Factores anatómicos y biomecánicos de la fractura vertebral osteoporótica y la aparición de las fracturas en cascada.

Osteoporosis weakens the structural strength of bone to such an extent that normal daily activity may exceed the capacity of the vertebra to bear this load. Vertebral fracture and deformity is a hallmark of osteoporosis. The detriment of trabecular bone properties alone cannot explain the occurrence of osteoporotic vertebral fracture. The ability of the spine to bear and resist loads depends on the structural capacity of the vertebrae, but also on loading conditions arising from activities of daily living or low-energy trauma. This review describes the mechanical properties of the vertebral bone, the structural load-bearing capacity of the various elements forming the spine, the neuromuscular control of the trunk, as well as the biomechanics of the loads to which the spine is subjected in relation to the presence of osteoporosis and the risk of vertebral fracture. A better understanding of biomechanical factors may help to explain both the high incidence of osteoporotic vertebral fractures and their mechanism of production. Consideration of these issues may be important in the development of prevention and management strategies.

[Translated article] Anatomical and biomechanical factors of osteoporotic vertebral fracture and the occurrence of cascade fractures. / [Artículo traducido] Factores anatómicos y biomecánicos de la fractura vertebral osteoporótica y la aparición de las fracturas en cascada.

Osteoporosis weakens the structural strength of bone to such an extent that normal daily activity may exceed the capacity of the vertebra to bear this load. Vertebral fracture and deformity is a hallmark of osteoporosis. The detriment of trabecular bone properties alone cannot explain the occurrence of osteoporotic vertebral fracture. The ability of the spine to bear and resist loads depends on the structural capacity of the vertebrae, but also on loading conditions arising from activities of daily living or low-energy trauma. This review describes the mechanical properties of the vertebral bone, the structural load-bearing capacity of the various elements forming the spine, the neuromuscular control of the trunk, as well as the biomechanics of the loads to which the spine is subjected in relation to the presence of osteoporosis and the risk of vertebral fracture. A better understanding of biomechanical factors may help to explain both the high incidence of osteoporotic vertebral fractures and their mechanism of production. Consideration of these issues may be important in the development of prevention and management strategies.

[Translated article] Tumor ablation and vertebral augmentation in the treatment of vertebral metastases: A multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of metastatic vertebral fractures without neural compression is performed with percutaneous cementation techniques. The increase in intratumoral pressure by these techniques can send tumor cells into the bloodstream. To prevent this dissemination and improve pain treatment, ablation techniques have been introduced that would allow the creation of a cavity in the tumor prior to cementation or directly necrosing the metastasis when its size is small. MATERIAL: We present the experience with ablation of two hospitals and two different ablation techniques. The first group used radiofrequency ablation (A) in 14 patients (26 vertebrae), 4 of whom underwent vertebral arthrodesis. The second group used microwave ablation (B) in 93 patients (129 lesions) without associated vertebral instrumentation. RESULTS: In group A pain improvement in VAS was 7.7-2.6 at 6 weeks. There were no complications derived from the ablation. In most cases cementation was associated. In the group B pain improvement in VAS went from 6.8 to 1.7 at 6 weeks. Cementation was associated in all cases. There were no complications derived from the ablation. CONCLUSION: The association of ablation techniques with vertebral cementation is a safe technique that significantly improves the patient's pain and can help control the disease.

Tumor ablation and vertebral augmentation in the treatment of vertebral metastases: A multicenter study. / Ablación tumoral y cementación en el tratamiento de las metástasis vertebrales. Estudio multicéntrico.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of metastatic vertebral fractures without neural compression is performed with percutaneous cementation techniques. The increase in intratumoral pressure by these techniques can send tumor cells into the bloodstream. To prevent this dissemination and improve pain treatment, ablation techniques have been introduced that would allow the creation of a cavity in the tumor prior to cementation or directly necrosing the metastasis when its size is small. MATERIAL: We present the experience with ablation of two hospitals and two different ablation techniques. The first group used radiofrequency ablation (A) in 14 patients (26 vertebrae), 4 of whom underwent vertebral arthrodesis. The second group used microwave ablation (B) in 93 patients (129 lesions) without associated vertebral instrumentation. RESULTS: In group A pain improvement in VAS was 7.7-2.6 at 6 weeks. There were no complications derived from the ablation. In most cases cementation was associated. In the group B pain improvement in VAS went from 6.8-1.7 at 6 weeks. Cementation was associated in all cases. There were no complications derived from the ablation. CONCLUSION: The association of ablation techniques with vertebral cementation is a safe technique that significantly improves the patient's pain and can help control the disease.

Minimally invasive surgical treatment options for osteoporotic vertebral fractures OF4. / Opciones de tratamiento quirúrgico mínimamente invasivo en las fracturas vertebrales osteoporóticas OF4.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The incidence of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) is increasing. The importance of their diagnosis and treatment lies in their frequency and the morbidity they cause in patients. The classification proposed for OVFs by the German Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (DGOU) recommends surgical treatment for vertebral fractures classified as OF4. Most of these fractures will require anterior bracing as an adjunct to posterior fixation because of the significant loss of vertebral body structure. In elderly patients, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) allows their treatment given the lesser tissue aggression and systemic repercussions. We present the results of the treatment of OF4 vertebral fractures using minimally invasive techniques in the Spine Unit of our hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 21 patients with OF4 osteoporotic fractures in the thoracolumbar transition treated in our centre. Six patients who underwent open posterolateral fusion or isolated vertebroplasty were excluded. The series consists of 15 cases (13 females and 2 males), with a mean age of 72.2, studied by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical and analytical data were collected to decide the most appropriate surgical technique. In six cases a retropleural/retroperitoneal MIS approach was performed for partial corpectomy with expandable vertebral substitute plus long posterior percutaneous fixation (technique 1). In the remaining nine cases long posterior percutaneous fixation + vertebroplasty of the fractured vertebra (technique 2). Radiological measurements were taken pre-surgically, post-surgically, at 6 weeks and 3 months, determining the fracture angle, kyphotic deformity, compression and wedging percentage and deformation angle. To assess functional outcome, patients completed the Oswentry Disability Index before surgery and at 3 months. RESULTS: There were no intraoperative complications of note. In the corpectomy group the mean hospital stay was 9.4 days, with a mean operative time of 250 min, a postoperative haemoglobin loss of 3.3 g/dL and two patients were transfused. In the percutaneous fixation and vertebroplasty group the mean was 5.55 days, surgery time 71 min and loss of 1.6 g/dL haemoglobin. There was one post-surgical haematoma requiring transfusion. None of the patients had to be reoperated during follow-up. Radiological measurements showed adequate correction with both techniques which was maintained over time with minimal loss. In functional outcomes assessed with the Oswentry, patients following technique 1 suffered greater worsening (15%) than those treated with technique 2 (10%). CONCLUSIONS: In OWF classified as OF4, percutaneous fixation associated with vertebroplasty could be an alternative to corpectomy in older patients with comorbidities, in whom functional recovery is more important than radiological correction. The use of MIS surgery together with improvements in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis may improve clinical outcomes in the treatment of this type of fracture.

Radiographic diagnosis of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. An updated review.

The radiological diagnosis of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) is of major importance considering its therapeutic and prognostic implications. Both radiologists and clinicians have the opportunity to diagnose OVFs in daily clinical practice due to the widespread use of spine and chest radiography. However, several studies have reported an under-diagnosis of OVFs, particularly by a lack of consensus on the diagnostic criteria. Therefore, up-to-date knowledge of the most relevant approaches for the diagnosis of OVFs is necessary for many physicians. This article aims to review the most commonly used classification systems in the diagnosis of OVFs based on conventional radiography. We discuss their rationale, advantages and limitations, as well as their utility according to the context. This review will provide a concise yet useful understanding of the typology of OVFs, their clinical significance and prognosis. Finally, we include anatomical variations that can be confused with OVFs by non-experts.

Risk of osteoporotic thoracic vertebral fractures in patients with gout.

OBJECTIVES: Osteoporosis causes significant morbidity and mortality by the development of fragility fractures, including vertebral fractures. Patients with gout may show an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures, as accelerated bone resorption is likely linked to urate crystal-led inflammatory state. This study aims to evaluate the risk of osteoporotic dorsal vertebral fractures associated with gout. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out in patients admitted for cardiovascular events. Patients with available lateral view of chest radiography (on admission or in the previous six months) were selected. Two observers blinded to clinical data reviewed the radiographies simultaneously. Vertebral fracture was defined as a vertebral height loss ≥20%, and presence, number, and severity (by Genant semi-quantitative scale) were registered. To analyse the relationship between gout and the presence of vertebral fractures, the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was calculated by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: 126 patients were analysed, 21 of them (16.67%) suffered from gout. Eighteen cases with fractures were detected, with a prevalence of 14.3%. A significant association was found between gout and vertebral fracture (28.6% gout, 11.4% controls; OR 3.10, 95%CI 1.01-9.52). There were no differences in the number of fractures, while the severity was found to be higher in the controls. The association between gout and vertebral fracture persisted after multivariate adjustment (OR 5.21, 95% CI 1.32-20.61). CONCLUSION: An independent association between gout and radiological thoracic vertebral fractures was revealed in patients with a cardiovascular event.

[Translated article] Sagittal imbalance influences outcome of vertebroplasty in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The correlation between sagittal balance of the spine and clinical outcome after vertebroplasty (VP) in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) is poorly investigated. We analysed the clinical outcome of patients with OVCF undergoing VP taking into account sagittal balance. METHODS: The primary endpoint was the change in axial back pain; disability and health-related quality of life using VAS, ODI and SF-36 respectively in correlation to the parameters that define sagittal balance (SVA). Radiographic assessment included full spine standing lateral films. Imaging and clinical data were collected pre and post procedure at 1, 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were included presenting a total of 113 OVCF. Thirty patients (60.7%) had multiple OVCF. Comparing the evolution of VAS and ODI throughout the follow-up it does not seem that there are significant differences in their behaviour between the SVA>50mm and the SVA<50mm groups (p>0.05). On the contrary, preVP SF-36 scores showed worst results in the SVA>50mm group in the physical functioning section (PF) (p<0.05) and in the physical component score (PCS) (p<0.05). These differences were maintained until 3 months of follow-up in the case of the PCS and until the end of follow-up in the case of the PF (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a SVA>50mm showed a slower recovery of their quality of life after VP for OVCF, but without significant differences with respect to pain or disability, when compared with patients with SVA<50mm.

Sagittal imbalance influences outcome of vertebroplasty in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. / Influencia del desequilibrio sagital en el resultado clínico de la vertebroplastia en pacientes con fractura por compresión vertebral osteoporótica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The correlation between sagittal balance of the spine and clinical outcome after vertebroplasty (VP) in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) is poorly investigated. We analysed the clinical outcome of patients with OVCF undergoing VP taking into account sagittal balance. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The primary endpoint was the change in axial back pain, disability and health-related quality-of-life using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and SF-36, respectively, in correlation to the parameters that define sagittal balance (SVA). Radiographic assessment included full spine standing lateral films. Imaging and clinical data were collected pre- and post-procedure at 1, 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: 51 patients were included presenting a total of 113 OVCF. 30 patients (60.7%) had multiple OVCF. Comparing the evolution of VAS and ODI throughout the follow-up it does not seem that there are significant differences in their behaviour between the SVA>50mm and the SVA<50mm groups (p>0.05). On the contrary, pre-VP SF-36 scores showed worst results in the SVA>50mm group in the physical functioning (PF) section (p<0.05) and in the physical component score (PCS) (p<0.05). These differences were maintained until 3 months of follow-up in the case of the PCS and until the end of follow-up in the case of the PF (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a SVA>50mm showed a slower recovery of their quality-of-life after VP for OVCF, but without significant differences with respect to pain or disability, when compared patients with SVA<50mm.

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures: A diagnostic challenge in the 21st century.

Vertebral fractures are the most prevalent osteoporotic fractures and are paradoxically the most underdiagnosed. While only one-third of patients have acute pain, they can present other associated chronic complications. Vertrebal fractures are associated with the onset of new fractures, both vertebral and nonvertebral. Radiography of the dorsal-lumbar spine is a useful tool for detecting them but depends on the subjective interpretation of the physician conducting the assessment. New techniques, such as vertebral morphometry, have recently demonstrated greater efficacy in detecting v vertebral fractures and are performed concomitantly with bone densitometry. Knowing how to identify vertebral fractures is essential for the secondary prevention of new fractures and improving our patients' quality of life.

Risk of osteoporotic thoracic vertebral fractures in patients with gout. / Riesgo de fracturas vertebrales dorsales osteoporóticas en pacientes con gota.

OBJECTIVES: Osteoporosis causes significant morbidity and mortality by the development of fragility fractures, including vertebral fractures. Patients with gout may show an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures, as accelerated bone resorption is likely linked to urate crystal-led inflammatory state. This study aims to evaluate the risk of osteoporotic dorsal vertebral fractures associated with gout. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out in patients admitted for cardiovascular events. Patients with available lateral view of chest radiography (on admission or in the previous six months) were selected. Two observers blinded to clinical data reviewed the radiographies simultaneously. Vertebral fracture was defined as a vertebral height loss ≥20%, and presence, number, and severity (by Genant semi-quantitative scale) were registered. To analyse the relationship between gout and the presence of vertebral fractures, the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was calculated by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: 126 patients were analysed, 21 of them (16.67%) suffered from gout. Eighteen cases with fractures were detected, with a prevalence of 14.3%. A significant association was found between gout and vertebral fracture (28.6% gout, 11.4% controls; OR 3.10, 95%CI 1.01-9.52). There were no differences in the number of fractures, while the severity was found to be higher in the controls. The association between gout and vertebral fracture persisted after multivariate adjustment (OR 5.21, 95% CI 1.32-20.61). CONCLUSION: An independent association between gout and radiological thoracic vertebral fractures was revealed in patients with a cardiovascular event.

Outcomes of vertebroplasty in osteoporotic vertebral fractures with limited indication. / Resultados de la vertebroplastia en fracturas vertebrales osteoporóticas con indicación límite.

INTRODUCTION: Vertebroplasty has been shown to be effective for improving quality of life and pain of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) without neurological deficit and not susceptible to conservative treatment. It is advisable to perform them on recent fractures with 50% crush and without the involvement of the canal, although there are no standard recommendations. In some cases these limits are exceeded. We analyse the outcomes of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in OVF with relative/limit indication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 88 patients (126 fractures) who underwent surgery by PVP; 95/126 were osteoporotic fractures. Thirty-four cases (35%) were included in the relative indication group, with at least one of the following: canal involvement,>50% collapse, and>12 months of evolution of the fracture. The rest of the cases were included in the standard indication group. We performed clinical-radiological follow-up, collected intraoperative data on techniques and complications, occurrence of leaks, postoperative clinical improvement (according to VAS), new adjacent fractures, and satisfaction. RESULTS: Most fractures were between D11-L2 (66%) with 6-8 months follow-up. No significant differences were observed regarding clinical improvement in either group. A higher percentage of leaks were detected in the relative indication group, 44% in comparison to 29.5% in the standard indication group, without statistical significance. All leakages were asymptomatic. There were 3new OVF after PVP in the relative indication group and 4in the standard group, without statistically significant differences. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The use of cement in OVF with relative indication led to the same clinical benefit in our sample as those with standard indication. A higher number of leakages occurred in the relative indication group with no clinical consequences or adjacent fractures.

[Femoral neuropathy: Haematoma in iliac muscle and a lumbar vertebral fracture]. / Neuropatía femoral: hematoma en músculo ilíaco y fractura vertebral lumbar.

75-year-old patient with a history of acenocumarol anticoagulated atrial fibrillation, which shows pain, functional impotence and right lower limb paresthesias after fall. Studies evidenc evertebral fracture L5 and haematoma on right iliac muscle, proceeding to surgical drainage, suspension of acenocumarol, and onset of apixaban. After treatment persisted femoral neuropathy, which not allowed complete functional recovery. DISCUSSION: Femoral neuropathy as possible cause of compressive hematoma over iliopsoas muscle or secundary to lumbar canal stenosis and contact with L4 root. In both of the misit posible to observe weakness of proximal lower limb musculature. Haematoma was suspected due to lower back pain, flank mass and hypovolemia. Handlingis based on the severity of the symptomatology, from conservative to surgical drainage to reduce sequelae and bleeding complications. Apixaban has shown a higher safety profile. Stabilization of lumbar fracture allowed partial functional recovery.

Clasificación de las fracturas vertebrales multinivel continuas / Classification of continuous multilevel vertebral fractures

Resumen: Actualmente aún existe poca información acerca de las fracturas vertebrales multinivel (MVF), además de que no hay clasificaciones que nos ayuden a agruparlas de una manera más sencilla y nos orienten sobre su pronóstico. El objetivo del presente trabajo es proponer una nueva clasificación de MVF del tipo continuas, basada en el número de plataformas lesionadas de los cuerpos vertebrales y su gravedad, donde formamos cuatro grupos. Se realizó la revisión de casos de MVF continuas que encontramos en nuestro hospital en un período de seis años; logrando designar cada fractura, debido a sus características, al grupo correspondiente en 100% de los casos. Además, se observó un mejor pronóstico neurológico en el grupo 1. Esta clasificación es una propuesta que nos ayudará a agrupar estas lesiones, que pueden ser muy variadas, en sólo cuatro grupos; con el objetivo de posteriormente crear una propuesta de manejo más estandarizado y conocer su pronóstico neurológico.

Abstract: Currently there is still little information about multilevel vertebral fractures (MVF), in addition to the fact that there are no classifications that help us group them in a simpler way, and guide us on their prognosis. The objective of this work is to propose a new classification of continuous type MVF, based on the number of end plates injured of the vertebral bodies and their severity, where we form four groups. A review of continuous MVF cases that we found in our hospital over a 6-year period was carried out, managing to designate 100% of the fractures, by their characteristics, to the corresponding group. In addition, we observed a better neurological prognosis in group 1. This classification is a proposal that will help us to group these injuries, that can be very varied, in only four groups; with the aim of later creating a more standardized management proposal, and knowing its neurological prognosis.

[Safety and efficacy of kyphoplasty in the treatment of tumoral disease of the spine]. / Seguridad y eficacia de la cifoplastia en el tratamiento de la enfermedad tumoral de la columna vertebral.

UNLABELLED: Vertebral fractures in oncology patients cause significant pain and disability, with decreased quality of life. The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy and safety of kyphoplasty in this type of vertebral fracture in the acute phase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 75 consecutive oncology patients with 122 acute vertebral fractures, who underwent bilateral balloon kyphoplasty, with a mean follow up of 11 months. RESULTS: Almost all (91%) of the patients improved their pain level. The mean improvement in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was 4.28 points (preoperative value 7.49 [SD 1.19], postoperative 3.21 [SD 0.95]). Before surgery, 53% of patients needed major opioids (40 cases), and one month after surgery only 12% (9 patients) required them. Quality of life determined by the Karnofsky index improved from 60.2 (SD 10) to 80.7 (SD 12.1). Cement leaks were found in 5.7% (7 cases), all without neurological repercussions. New fractures appeared in 11 patients. This subgroup showed a slight worsening of the initially acquired clinical improvement. No neurological or pulmonary complications related to surgical technique were found. CONCLUSIONS: Kyphoplasty is an effective and safe for treating vertebral fractures in patients with cancer. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.