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Unilateral, bilateral kyphoplasty comparable for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Unilateral balloon kyphoplasty was found to produce outcomes comparable to those of bilateral balloon kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, according to study results.
Hua Chen, MD, and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of 14 randomized, controlled studies comparing the unilateral and bilateral approach to kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. A total of 876 patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 17.5 months.
The researchers found there were no significant differences between the two approaches in VAS pain scores for up to 2 years, Oswestry Disability Index pain score for up to 1 year, anterior and middle vertebral height, or kyphotic angle.
However, use of the unilateral approach resulted in less cement needed for an injection, shorter operation time and a lower risk of cement leakage than with the bilateral approach, according to the researchers.
Because unilateral kyphoplasty was found to result in pain relief, vertebral height and kyphotic angle restoration comparable to bilateral kyphoplasty, the researchers concluded that it should be considered an effective treatment option.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.