Does segmental artery occlusion cause intravertebral cleft following osteoporotic vertebral fracture: a prospective magnetic resonance angiography study.

BACKGROUND: The avascular necrosis (AVN) hypothesis of intravertebral cleft (IVC) formation in osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVCF) has received increasing attention. The aim of this article is to detect whether the segmental artery occlusion causes the IVC following OVCF. METHODS: Between December 2019 and April 2020, 44 OVCF patients with 46 fracture levels were prospectively enrolled and the vertebral segmental arteries were evaluated by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). The artery conditions were divided into patent, narrow and occluded. The lesion segmental occlusion rate (LSOR) and the total occlusion rate (TOR) were calculated. The association of segmental artery occlusion and IVC formation was assessed. RESULTS: LOSR was 15.34% and TOR was 15.12%. The segmental arteries of the unfractured vertebrae had a higher occlusion rate at thoracolumbar levels than at non-thoracolumbar levels. There was no significant difference between the IVC group and the non-IVC group in the fractured levels artery occlusion rate (20.24 ± 28.08 vs 9.78 ± 19.56, P = 0.156) or the total segmental arteries occlusion rate (13.83 ± 12.04 vs 11.57 ± 9.25, P = 0.476). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with vertebral osteoporotic fracture, segmental artery occlusion is not associated with the development of intravertebral cleft.

The impact of intravertebral cleft on cement leakage in percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of intravertebral cleft (IVC) on cement leakage in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) has been discussed. However, the results were conflicting, as the study population and cement leakage classification were heterogeneous. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of IVC on the incidence of leakage through vein, leakage through cortex as well as general leakage in PVP for OVCFs. METHODS: All patients with OVCFs who underwent PVP between January 2016 and June 2019 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were eligible for this case-control study if they were diagnosed as single level fracture in spine. After inclusive and exclusive criteria were met, a total of 139 patients with IVC were enrolled as the study group. Non-IVC controls were matched in a 1:1 ratio in age (within 3 years), sex and fracture severity with patients in study group. Cement leakage were classified into four types [type B (through basivertebral vein), type S (through segmental vein), type-C (through a cortical defect), and type D (intradiscal leakage)], furtherly into two types [venous type (type-B or/and type S) and cortical type (type-C or/and type-D)]. A general leakage rate and a specific leakage rate per each type were compared between both groups. RESULTS: Each group included 139 patients. Groups were homogenous for age, sex, fracture severity, fracture location, fracture type, cement volume, puncture approach and property of cement. Compared with control group, IVC group had a significantly lower rate of type-B (20.9% vs. 31.7%, P = 0.041), type-S (24.5% vs. 52.5%, P = 0.000), and venous type leakage (37.4% vs. 67.6%, P = 0.000), a significantly higher rate of type-C (25.9% vs. 12.2%, P = 0.004), type-D (16.5% vs. 6.5%, P = 0.009), and cortical type leakage (40.3% vs. 16.5%, P = 0.000), no significant difference on the rate of general leakage (67.6% vs. 76.3%, P = 0.109). CONCLUSION: IVC decreased the risk of cement leakage through vein and increased the risk of cement leakage through cortex. However, it had no significant effect on the occurrence of general leakage.

Intravertebral cleft in pathological vertebral fracture resulting from spinal tuberculosis: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Among common findings in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs), the intravertebral cleft (IVC) is usually considered a benign lesion. The current study was aimed to present a rare case of vertebral fracture caused by IVC-related spinal tuberculosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old female complained of back pain and weakness in lower limbs for 2 weeks. 3 months ago, after a minor trauma, she got back pain without weakness in lower limbs. Initially, she was diagnosed with a L1 compression fracture and accepted conservative treatment. After an asymptomatic period, she complained progressive pain at the fracture position with weakness of both lower limbs and was referred to our hospital with suspicion of Kümmell's disease. The patient underwent posterior debridement and internal fixation for decompression and stabilization of the spine. Pathological examinations revealed the patient with spinal tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: Although IVC is common in patients with OCVFs, there are some cases believed to be found in patients with spinal tuberculosis or infection. Further test, like CT-guided puncture biopsy, may be required before decisive treatment when an IVC is observed.

Intervertebral bridging ossifications increase the risk of intravertebral cleft formation following a vertebral compression fracture.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the presence of intervertebral bridging ossifications is associated with intravertebral cleft (IVC) formation following a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). METHODS: Patients with a VCF who received conservative treatment for a minimum of 3 months were recruited over a 3-year period. Baseline radiographs obtained within a month of onset were compared between 50 patients who developed an IVC at 3-month follow-up (IVC group) and 100 patients without an IVC (control group). Intervertebral bridging ossification was defined as complete bridging of the intervertebral space by ossification. The presence of bridging ossification was assessed at each intervertebral level from T9/10 to L5/S. In addition to the absolute levels of bridging ossifications, the level relative to a fresh VCF was recorded. RESULT: The incidence of bridging ossification at levels T9/10 and T10/11 was significantly higher in the IVC group than in the control group. IVC group patients showed a significantly higher incidence of bridging ossification at the second proximal intervertebral segment than those in the control group. IVC group patients also had a significantly greater sagittal wedge angle and a greater local kyphosis angle than control group patients. CONCLUSION: A fresh VCF with bridging ossification at the second proximal intervertebral level is associated with increased risk of IVC formation. Careful observation and strict conservative treatment are recommended in such cases.

Intravertebral cleft in pathological vertebral collapse resulting from cancer metastasis: report of three cases.

Intravertebral cleft (IVC) is a common finding in osteoporotic compression fracture. However, since the vertebral collapse attributable to cancer metastasis is rarely associated with IVC, the phenomenon is generally considered as a sign of a benign lesion. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the radiographs, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance images of 111 patients with spinal metastasis. Three cases (2.7 %) had IVC in the collapsed thoracic vertebral bodies (T7, T8, and T11) attributable to cancer metastasis. IVC alone is not necessarily an indicator of a benign vertebral collapse.

Association Between Spinopelvic Parameters and Intravertebral Cleft in Osteoporosis Vertebral Compression Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The high incidence of nonunion in osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) among the elderly population is a significant concern. But the hypothesis about etiopathogenesis of the intravertebral cleft (IVC) is not convincing. This study aims to investigate the association between spinopelvic parameters and IVC. METHODS: Patients with single segment IVC or healed vertebral compression fracture (HVCF) were retrospectively recruited for the study. Patients with IVC were assigned to the IVC group, the others were assigned to the HVCF group. We estimated whether IVC or HVCF locates the vertebra inflection point on lumbar lateral radiography. Distance between the sagittal line passing through the anterosuperior corner of S1and the center of the vertebra of healed fracture or with IVC (DSVA) and sacral slope (SS) were measured on lumbar lateral plain films. Intergroup spinopelvic parameters were analyzed. analysis to identify independent variables associated with IVC incidence. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was generated to identify the optimal cut-off point for statistically significant variables. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were included in the study. Thirty patients (mean age: 74 ± 7.16 years) had single-level IVC, and 35 patients (mean age: 67.71 ± 7.30 years) had single-level HVCF. Age, body mass index (BMI), and DSVA were statistically different between the groups (all P < 0.05). The occurrence of IVC was related to the DSVA in the multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR = 0.73, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, large DSVA was a risk factor for IVC formation in patients with OVCFs. Patients with global spinal malalignment should be actively observed during conservative treatment.

Factors influencing further vertebral height loss following percutaneous vertebroplasty in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: A 1-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) contribute to back pain and functional limitations in older individuals, with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) emerging as a minimally invasive treatment. However, further height loss post-PVP prompts investigation into contributing factors. AIM: To investigate the factors associated with further height loss following PVP with cement augmentation in OVCF patients. METHODS: A total of 200 OVCF patients who underwent successful PVP between January 2021 and December 2022 were included in this study. "Further height loss" during 1 year of follow-up in OVCF patients with bone edema was defined as a vertical height loss of ≥ 4 mm. The study population was divided into two groups for analysis: The "No Further Height Loss group (n = 179)" and the "Further Height Loss group (n = 21)." RESULTS: In comparing two distinct groups of patients, significant differences existed in bone mineral density (BMD), vertebral compression degree, prevalence of intravertebral cleft (IVF), type of bone cement used, and cement distribution patterns. Results from binary univariate regression analysis revealed that lower BMD, the presence of IVF, cleft distribution of bone cement, and higher vertebral compression degree were all significantly associated with further height loss. Notably, the use of mineralized collagen modified-poly(methyl methacrylate) bone cement was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of further height loss. In multivariate regression analysis, lower BMD and the presence of IVF remained significantly associated with further height loss. CONCLUSION: Further height loss following PVP in OVCF patients is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, especially lower BMD and the presence of IVF. These findings underscore the importance of assessing and managing these factors when addressing height loss following PVP in OVCF patients.

A predictive nomogram for intradiscal cement leakage in percutaneous kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures combined with intravertebral cleft.

Background: For patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP), the occurrence and risk factors of intradiscal cement leakage should be characteristic of the presence of intravertebral cleft (IVC). This study aimed to identify risk factors for intradiscal leakage in individuals with OVCFs combined with IVC treated with PKP and build a powered and well-calibrated predictive nomogram. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent PKP at our center between January 2016 and May 2021. Patients diagnosed with OVCFs combined with IVC were identified, and the incidence of different types of bone cement leakage was recorded. Risk factors for intradiscal leakage among the demographic, perioperative baseline, and radiologic data were identified, following which a nomogram was developed and verified. Results: A total of 109 eligible patients were included, and the intradiscal leakage rate was 32.1%. Compression rate (odds ratio [OR] 0.025; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.002-0.264; P = 0.002) and cemented vertebral body fraction (OR 44.122; 95% CI 2.790-697.740; P = 0.007) were identified as independent risk factors. A predictive nomogram with good predictive power (C-statistic = 0.786) and fitness of data (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, P = 0.092) was established to build a quantitative relationship between the risk factors and intradiscal leakage. Conclusion: The incidence rate of intradiscal leakage in PKP for OVCFs combined with IVC was 32.1%. Compression rate and cemented vertebral body fraction were identified as independent risk factors. A powered and well-calibrated nomogram was established to accurately predict the probability of intradiscal leakage. Further prospective and multicenter studies are required to verify and calibrate our findings.

Comparison of Intravertebral Clefts between Kümmell Disease and Acute Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture: A Radiological Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the radiological features of intravertebral clefts (IVC) between Kümmell disease (KD) and acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study. A total of 79 patients with IVC from January 2014 to December 2018 were included in this study. There were 22 men and 57 women, with an average of 73.5 years. Based on the exact time interval from injury to treatment and the pathological examination results, the patients were divided into KD group (44 patients) and acute OVCF group (35 patients). The two groups were compared by the margin sclerosis of IVC, vertebra and pedicle ossification, stress fracture of the spinous process, paravertebral callus, the shape of IVC, cleft in the adjacent disc, and flatness of IVC's margin from plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT). The two groups were compared by the IVC content, double-line sign, and signal of fracture vertebral from their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in sex, age, and fracture distribution between the KD group and the acute OVCF group. IVC was present in both the KD group and the acute OVCF group. Six radiological features were only present in the KD group, including sclerosis of the cleft margin (95.5%, 42/44), ossification of the fractured vertebrae (100%, 44/44), ossification of the pedicle (31.8%, 14/44), double-line sign (27.3%, 12/44), stress fracture of the spinous process (13.6%, 6/44), and even formation of paravertebral callus (18.2%, 8/44). Although there were statistical differences in the other four radiological features of content of IVC (P = 0.02), cleft sign in adjacent intervertebral disc (P < 0.01), margin of IVC (P = 0.02), and the shape of IVC (P = 0.01) between the KD group and acute OVCF group, these characteristics could be found in both groups. CONCLUSION: IVC could present in patients with both KD and acute OVCF; however, we found that marginal cleft sclerosis, vertebral and pedicle ossification, double-line sign, spinous process fracture, and formation of paravertebral callus are unique radiological features of KD and could be used for differentiation of KD from acute OVCF with IVC.

Analysis of two minimally invasive procedures for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with intravertebral cleft: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the pros and cons of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) versus kyphoplasty (PKP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) with intravertebral cleft (IVC) including all available evidence from controlled trials. METHODS: Databases including Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data were searched to identify relevant studies comparing PVP and PKP for OVCFs with IVC. The outcomes mainly included visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), local kyphotic angle (LKA), rate of vertebral height (VH%), and adverse events. RESULTS: Nine studies enrolling 688 patients were eligible for meta-analysis. The results indicated no significant differences between the two groups in the short-and long-term VAS, ODI, LKA, or VH% (P > 0.05). Compared with PVP, PKP was associated with significantly longer operation time (P < 0.05), higher cost (P > 0.05), and more injected cement volume (P < 0.05). In terms of adverse events, PKP has a lower risk of cement leakage (P < 0.05), while with no significant difference in adjacent-level fracture rates (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The two procedures have similar short- and long-term pain relief, functional recovery, local kyphosis correction, and vertebral height maintenance in OVCFs with IVC. PKP is superior to PVP for the injected cement volume, and lower cement leakage rate, however, with longer operation time, more fluoroscopy times, and higher cost. Further randomized controlled trials (RCTs) should be conducted to confirm these results.

Efficacy and Safety of High-Viscosity Bone Cement Vertebroplasty in Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures with Intravertebral Cleft.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare clinical outcomes and cement leakage of high-viscosity bone cement versus low-viscosity bone cement vertebroplasty in treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with intravertebral cleft. METHODS: The study included 72 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with intravertebral cleft, who were divided into high-viscosity cement (HVC) (38 cases) and low-viscosity cement (LVC) (34 cases) groups according to the viscosity of bone cement used. Cement leakage, visual analog scale score, Oswestry Disability Index, and kyphotic angle (KA) were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients were followed for at least 12 months. Overall cement leakage rate was 18.4% in the HVC group, lower than the rate of 61.8% obtained in the LVC group. A statistically significant difference was found in the overall cement leakage rate between the groups (P < 0.05). Visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores were significantly improved after percutaneous vertebroplasty without significant differences between the HVC and LVC groups (P > 0.05). The KA of patients from both groups was also significantly corrected immediately after surgery. Although the KA gradually increased in both groups during the follow-up period, there was no statistically significant difference between the HVC and LVC groups in KA during follow-up (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous vertebroplasty using HVC to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with intravertebral cleft significantly reduces cement leakage and improves the safety of the operation. In terms of clinical efficacy and prevention of augmented vertebral recollapse, HVC may not have obvious advantages.

[Observation of clinical effects of percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures complicated with intravertebral clefts].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effects of percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures complicated with intravertebral clefts. METHODS: The clinical data of 176 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures underwent treatment from January 2013 to May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were treated by unilateral PVP procedure, 37 patients with intravertebral clefts. Seven cases were excluded according to the standard and 30 patients were internalized in the study. There were 14 males and 16 females, aged from 60 to 93 years old with an average of (77.73±9.33) years. The mean bone mineral density was (-3.16±0.48) SD (ranged from -2.3 to -4.1 SD). The Oswestry Disability Index(ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS) were analyzed before operation and 1 day, 3 months, 1 year after operation. The compression ratio of injured vertebrae was measured by X-ray before operation and 3 days, 3 months after operation. RESULTS: All the operations were successful and all the patients were followed up more than 1 year. Postoperative at 1 d, 3 months, 1 year, VAS scores were obviously released (2.93±0.83, 2.07±0.58, 1.57±0.68, respectively) than preoperative 7.00±1.41(P<0.01);and ODI scores were obviously improved (36.2±4.1, 22.9±6.7, 18.8±5.9, respectively) than preoperative 40.5±3.9(P<0.01). Postoperative at 3 days, 3 months, vertebral height percent of injured vertebrae were (79.26±8.57)% , (77.68±8.96)% , respectively, which had obviously improvement compared to preoperative (72.00±12.14)% (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PVP is an effective and reliable method in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures complicated with intravertebral clefts. It can effectively restore the height of the vertebral body, obviously improve the patient's pain and functional status.

Posttraumatic Delayed Vertebral Collapse : Kummell's Disease.

Posttraumatic delayed vertebral collapse, known as Kummell's disease, is increasing in number of patients. This disease is already progressive kyphosis due to vertebral collapse at the time of diagnosis and it causes intractable pain or neurologic deficit due to intravertebral instability. Treatment is very difficult after progression of the disease, and the range of treatment, in hospital day, and cost of treatment are both increased. Clinical features, pathogenesis and radiologic findings of these disease groups were reviewed to determine risk factors for delayed vertebral collapse. The purpose of this article is to suggest appropriate treatment before vertebral collapse for patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture who have risk factors for posttraumatic delayed vertebral collapse.

Mechanism of formation of intravertebral clefts in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: An in vitro biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Intravertebral clefts (IVCs) are vacuum-like cavities commonly associated with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). IVCs promote cement leakage during kyphoplasty, suggesting a physical link with the basivertebral foramen, although this is uncertain. PURPOSE: The present study aims to create IVCs in mechanical experiments on cadaveric spines in order to clarify their pathogenesis, structure, and links with the basivertebral foramen. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In total, 15 three-vertebra lumbar specimens from five cadavers aged 68 to 71 years were subjected to axial compressive overload followed by cyclic loading in flexion and extension to create an OVCF together with an IVC. Computed tomography scans and radiographs were used to confirm structural changes and micro-CT was used to measure trabecular bone properties in five specimens. Unipedicular vertebroplasty was then performed on 10 damaged specimens until fluoroscopy revealed extravasation of cement. RESULTS: In every specimen, loading created an OVCF with an IVC. Dissection and imaging showed that the IVC was always connected with the basivertebral foramen. The central vertebral region, including the IVC, had the lowest connectivity density, trabecular number, and bone volume fraction, and the highest trabecular separation. Vertebroplasty caused cement leakage through the basivertebral foramen in nine specimens and into an adjacent disc in one specimen. CONCLUSION: Cyclic loading in flexion and extension applied to a fractured osteoporotic vertebra can create an IVC, which then allows cement leakage via the basivertebral foramen.

Do the dynamic stress mobility radiographs predict the postoperative vertebral height restoration, kyphosis correction, and cement volume injected after vertebroplasty for osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral fractures with intravertebral cleft?

BACKGROUND: This prospective clinical-radiological study was conducted to determine whether the dynamic mobility stress radiographs can predict the postoperative vertebral height restoration, kyphosis correction, and cement volume injected after vertebroplasty. METHODS: Patients included had the diagnosis of significant back pain caused by osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture secondary to trivial injury. All the patients underwent routine preoperative sitting lateral spine radiograph, supine stress lateral spine radiograph, and supine anteroposterior spine radiograph. The radiological parameters recorded were anterior vertebral height (AVH), middle vertebral height (MVH), posterior vertebral height (PVH), MVH level below, wedge endplate angle (WEPA), and regional kyphotic angle (RKA). The supine stress versus sitting difference (SSD) for all the above parameters were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients (4 males; 24 females) with the mean age of 75.6 ± 7.7 years were recruited into this study. The mean cement volume injected was 5.5 ± 1.8 ml. There was no difference between supine stress and postoperative radiographs for AVH ( p = 0.507), PVH ( p = 0.913) and WEPA ( p = 0.379). The MVH ( p = 0.026) and RKA ( p = 0.005) were significantly less in the supine stress radiographs compared to postoperative radiographs. There was significant correlation ( p < 0.05) between supine stress and postoperative AVH, MVH, PVH, WEPA, and RKA. The SSD for AVH, PVH, WEPA, and RKA did not have significant correlation with the cement volume ( p > 0.05). Only the SSD-MVH had significant correlation with cement volume, but the correlation was weak ( r = 0.39, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic mobility stress radiographs can predict the postoperative vertebral height restoration and kyphosis correction after vertebroplasty for thoracolumbar osteoporotic fracture with intravertebral clefts. However, it did not reliably predict the amount of cement volume injected as it was affected by other factors.

Risk Factors for Cement Loosening after Vertebroplasty for Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture with Intravertebral Cleft: A Retrospective Analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. PURPOSE: To evaluate the primary outcomes and radiographic results of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in patients with singlelevel osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) with intravertebral cleft (IVC) to identify the risk factors for cement loosening after PVP. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: PVP is a widely accepted method for managing painful OVF; however, cement loosening occasionally occurs with poor outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 195 patients treated with PVP for single-level OVF with IVC. Six months thereafter, the primary outcomes were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back pain and the modified Oswestry Disability Index. Computed tomography was conducted to detect cement loosening. Possible risk factors, such as age, sex, wedging angle, intravertebral instability, Parkinson's disease, spinous process fracture, ankylosing spinal hyperostosis, split vertebrae, and adjacent intervertebral vacuum, were assessed. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients (25%) experienced cement loosening 6 months after PVP. The mean VAS scores were significantly higher in patients with cement loosening than in those without (50 vs. 26 mm, respectively; p <0.01). Cement loosening was closely associated with intravertebral instability (odds ratio [OR], 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.40; p =0.015), Parkinson's disease (OR, 54.31; 95% CI, 4.47-659.53; p =0.002), spinous process fracture (OR, 7.11; 95% CI, 1.65-30.60; p =0.009), and split vertebrae (OR, 11.59; 95% CI, 1.64-82.02; p =0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cement loosening experienced worse back pain than those without cement loosening. The important risk factors that influenced cement loosening after PVP were high intravertebral instability, Parkinson's disease, spinous process fracture, and split vertebrae.

Risk Factors for Recollapse of the Augmented Vertebrae After Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Recollapse of the augmented vertebrae after percutaneous vertebral augmentation treatment for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures has obtained much attention. Although many potential risk factors have been proposed, they are still disputed. The aim of our study was to identify the characteristics of the augmented vertebrae that had undergone a recollapse according to a systematic review from the earliest available records up to August 2017 and then conduct a meta-analysis based on eligible studies to assess significant potential risk factors for recollapse of the augmented vertebrae. METHODS: Fourteen studies were identified for investigating recollapse of the augmented vertebrae. Of those studies, 9 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Pooled results showed that 5 primary factors were associated with recollapse of the augmented vertebrae, including preoperative intravertebral cleft, the affected vertebrae in the thoracolumbar region, preoperative severe kyphotic deformity, solid lump cement distribution pattern, and higher vertebral height restoration. It was possibly another risk factor that the distance between PMMA and superior end plate was relatively large. CONCLUSIONS: Careful observation of patients with these risk factors and reasonable intervention could be useful to prevent deterioration of their clinical course.

Efficacy of Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures with Intravertebral Cleft.

Intravertebral cleft (IVC) is frequently observed in patients with painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). Some studies reported the usefulness of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for treating OVCF with IVC. However, systematic studies are scarce, and their results are conflicting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of PVP in the treatment of painful OVCF with IVC. Two hundred ninety-one patients with OVCF with IVC underwent PVP. Back pain was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS), and physical disability was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Three radiological parameters were assessed: the local kyphotic angle, percentage spinal canal cross-sectional area of compromise, and intravertebral instability of the affected vertebra. The mean follow-up period was 28 months. The mean values for the VAS and ODI were 8.4 and 60.0%, respectively, before PVP, versus 3.9 and 35.4%, respectively, at the final follow-up. The average local kyphotic angle, percentage spinal canal cross-sectional area of compromise, and intravertebral instability were 10.5°, 17.9% and 6.1°, respectively, before PVP and 8.1°, 15.2%, and 0.8°, respectively, at the final follow-up. There were no neurological or systemic complications due to cement leakage. PVP is an effective and safe intervention for treating OVCF with IVC.

Comparison of percutaneous vertebroplasty and percutaneous kyphoplasty for the management of Kümmell's disease: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Post traumatic osteonecrosis of a vertebral body occurring in a delayed fashion was first described by the German doctor Kümmell in 1895. Several studies have reported percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), or percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for Kümmell's disease achieves good outcomes. However, it is unknown whether a technique is superior for the treatment of this disease. The objective of the study is to compare the efficacy of PVP and PKP for the treatment of Kümmell's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted for 73 patients with Kümmell's disease. PVP was performed in 38 patients and PKP in 35 patients. Visual analogue score (VAS) was used to evaluate pain. The anterior vertebral height was measured. The operative time, the incidence of cement leakage and the costs were recorded. RESULTS: In both PVP group and PKP group, the VAS and anterior vertebral height significantly improved at 1-day postoperatively (P < 0.05), and the improvement sustained at the final followup (P > 0.05). Between the PVP and PKP groups, there were no significant differences in VAS and the anterior vertebral height at 1-day postoperatively and at the final followup (P > 0.05). The operating time and expense in the PKP group were higher than the PVP group (P < 0.001). Cement leakages in the PKP group were fewer than PVP group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PVP is a faster, less expensive option that still provides a comparable pain relief and restoration of vertebral height to PKP for the treatment of Kümmell's disease. PKP has a significant advantage over PVP in term of the fewer cement leakages.

Pathomechanism of intravertebral clefts in osteoporotic compression fractures of the spine.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Intravertebral cleft (IVC) associated with vertebral collapse is not uncommon in osteoporotic compression fracture. However, the pathomechanism of IVC is poorly understood. Bone ischemia is indicated in the current hypothesis. PURPOSE: To clarify the pathomechanism of IVC in delayed posttraumatic vertebral collapse, referred to as Kummell's disease. STUDY DESIGN: Magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and histology of segmental arteries and vertebral bodies in delayed posttraumatic vertebral collapse were investigated. PATIENT SAMPLE: All elderly patients admitted to the authors' spine clinic of tertiary referral center for a 105-month period. OUTCOME MEASURES: All imaging tests including plain radiographs, computed tomography, and MR angiography were reviewed by authors using a double-blind method. All operations were performed by one experienced surgeon. The statistical data were analyzed using SPSS program. METHODS: Evaluations using MR angiography and computed tomography were performed in 22 patients. Twelve of the 22 patients underwent corpectomy and anterior interbody fusion. At operation, segmental artery and bone surrounding IVC were harvested and microscopically evaluated. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance angiography showed occlusions of bilateral segmental arteries in nine of 22 patients. Seven patients had unilateral occlusion. In six patients, no occlusion was seen. Microscopically, the left segmental arteries of three patients were completely obstructed by thrombosis. Histologic examination of necrotic bone showed fragile trabecular bone and sparse osteocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of thrombosis of the segmental arteries of the vertebral body with IVC could suggest a mechanism by which IVC is formed, and the progressive collapse may develop following osteoporotic spinal fracture.