Early minimally invasive treatment of osteoporotic pedicle fractures.

BACKGROUND

Osteoporotic pedicle fractures are rare and may lead to spinal canal stenosis and instability (i.e., spondylolisthesis/lysis). Here, we explored the advantage of early intervention for osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) accompanied by bilateral pedicle fractures.

CASE DESCRIPTION: An 81-year-old osteoporotic female presented with low-back pain without any history of trauma or prior spinal surgery. Computed tomography revealed an OVF at L3, accompanied by bilateral pedicle fractures. Conservative treatment failed, and she successfully underwent early balloon kyphoplasty at L3, plus stand-alone percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. Postoperatively, symptoms were relieved, and she was discharged without complications on postoperative day 10.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the efficacy of early, minimally invasive treatment for OVF, and bilateral pedicle fractures.