Clinical Outcomes of Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Conservative Management in Patients With Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures.

BACKGROUND The optimal treatment strategy for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) remains unclear. This single-center study aimed to compare outcomes of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and conservative management in 55 patients with OVCF. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between January 2021 and January 2023, 55 patients with OVCF were enrolled. Thirteen patients underwent PVP (PVP group), and 42 patients received conservative treatment (conservative group). The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), kyphosis angle, complications, and duration of bed rest were evaluated. RESULTS VAS and ODI scores in the PVP group significantly decreased at 1 week after surgery, whereas significant improvements in the conservative group were observed at 1 month (P<0.05). VAS and ODI scores were significantly better in the PVP group than in the conservative group during the first 3 months (P<0.05), but no significant differences were observed after 6 months (P>0.05). Kyphosis angle significantly improved in both groups after treatment (P<0.05); no significant between-group difference was observed (P>0.05). Duration of bed rest was significantly longer in the conservative group (P<0.05). No significant difference in complications was observed between groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Both PVP and conservative treatment relieved pain and improved quality of life in patients with OVCF. PVP provided more rapid pain relief and functional recovery. Although conservative treatment resulted in slower improvement and longer duration of bed rest, long-term clinical outcomes and complication rates were similar between groups.