Extended kyphoplasty indications for stabilization of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous vertebroplasty with polymethylmethacrylate allows minimally invasive stabilization of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Fracture reduction is, however, not possible and the risk of uncontrolled epidural cement leakage with burst fractures is increased. Kyphoplasty, in contrast, allows a degree of fracture reduction and provides an extended spectrum of indications through open approaches, which enable spinal decompression and augmentation of incomplete burst fractures. METHODS. In kyphoplasty a contrast-filled balloon is inflated in the vertebra until a cavern is created. A degree of reposition may be achieved depending on fracture age. Augmentation is performed with high-viscosity polymethylmethacrylate under low pressure. In cases of neural compression, interlaminary spinal decompression and kyphoplasty through the posterior wall is performed. With anterior spinal procedures, kyphoplasty can be performed without extending the approach. RESULTS: Vertebral augmentation was performed by percutaneous, interlaminary, and anterior approaches for incomplete burst fractures. Four representative cases are presented from a collective of 120 augmentations. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous kyphoplasty, supplemented by open approaches, enables augmentation of osteoporotic incomplete burst fractures.     

椎体后凸成形术与椎体成形术生物力学比较

目的比较椎体后凸成形术（KP）与椎体成形术（VP）对骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折（OVCF）椎体力学性能的影响。方法5具尸体取20个胸腰段骨质疏松单椎体标本,按配对设计,分配为球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术组（KP组）和椎体成形术组（VP组）。经轴向加载压缩25%,制成椎体压缩骨折,记录制成骨折时的最大载荷及刚度数据。KP组将椎体压缩骨折标本行球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术;VP组将椎体压缩骨折标本行椎体成形术。然后将骨水泥强化治疗的椎体再次经万能力学试验机轴向加载,记录治疗后最大载荷及刚度数据。结果KP组和VP组骨折治疗后椎体最大载荷均分别明显高于骨折前（P〈0.01）,而椎体刚度差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。KP组与VP组间比较治疗后椎体最大载荷差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,椎体刚度差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论KP和VP均可明显增加OVCF椎体的抗压强度和恢复刚度。     

AF钉间接减压复位治疗胸腰椎重度爆裂骨折

目的: 探讨AF钉间接减压治疗重度胸腰椎爆裂骨折的临床效果。方法: 50例胸腰椎爆裂骨折患者用间接减压复位内固定植骨术。结果: 随访6个月~9年, 平均3. 5年。伤椎高度由术前的40%恢复到术后的95%, 椎管狭窄指数术前平均2, 术后平均<1。术后除12例全瘫病例无神经功能恢复外, 不完全截瘫患者, 术后神经功能按Frankel分级, 均有Ⅰ级以上恢复。结论: AF钉系统具有操作简单、固定可靠, 能有效的间接减压, 并能很好的恢复脊柱的解剖序列, 是一种治疗重度胸腰椎爆裂骨折的首选方法。     

釆用微创椎体成形术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折

目的 观察胸腰椎爆裂骨折采用微创椎体成形术治疗的安全性和有效性.方法 回顾分析12例胸腰段椎体爆裂骨折采用微创椎体成形术治疗,其中4例为单纯的椎体成形术(PVP),8例为后凸椎体成形术(PKP).根据疼痛视觉模拟评分VAS评分法评估疼痛缓解的疗效,根据骨水泥进入椎管的比率及神经并发症评估安全性.结果 术后VAS 评分同术前相比都有明显下降(P＜0.05),PVP组有2例骨水泥渗漏,PKP组有1例骨水泥渗漏以及1例术后心梗,但均无神经系统并发症.结论 椎体成形术及椎体后凸成形术都能有效缓解骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折患者的疼痛,但有一定的骨水泥渗漏危险.微创椎体成形术可能为胸腰椎爆裂骨折的治疗提供了一个新的选择.     

前路减压内固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折并截瘫

目的探讨前路减压内固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折并截瘫的临床疗效。方法回顾经前路减压内固定手术治疗的21例胸腰椎爆裂骨折并截瘫的病例,并分析前路手术的优缺点、适应证及内固定的选择。结果所有病例脊髓均获得有效减压,15例获得随访,术后平均随访5．5年,发现植骨块融合良好,伤椎高度基本恢复,Cobb’s角由术前平均17°恢复到5°,Frankel分级恢复一级者5例,恢复二级者5例,无变化者5例。结论前路减压内固定术是集减压、复位、内固定、植骨融合、矫正畸形、重建脊柱稳定一次完成的有效方法,但手术创伤大,出血多,应严格掌握手术指征。     

经皮间接减压内固定术治疗伴有神经损伤的胸腰椎爆裂性骨折

目的探讨后路经皮间接减压内固定术治疗伴有神经损伤的胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的有效性及安全性。方法 2015年6月—2017年6月,共25例伴神经损伤的胸腰椎爆裂性骨折患者接受后路经皮间接减压内固定术治疗。采用Frankel分级评估神经功能等级,采用疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分评估腰背部疼痛程度。测量并记录术前、术后及末次随访时矢状位Cobb角、伤椎椎体前缘高度百分比、伤椎楔形角、椎管占位率等影像学指标。结果所有患者手术均顺利完成,随访6～24(12.6±5.6)个月,末次随访时所有患者腰背部疼痛症状均明显改善,椎管得到有效减压,神经功能均明显改善,椎体骨折复位愈合,随访无明显丢失,无内固定相关并发症发生。结论后路经皮间接减压内固定术可避免椎管内直接减压,保护脊柱后方结构,减少手术创伤,临床疗效满意,对于伴有不完全神经损伤的胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的治疗是一种微创、安全、有效的选择。     

前路减压内固定修复严重胸腰椎爆裂骨折

目的 探讨胸腰椎爆裂骨折的损伤机制及前路减压修复重建的必要性。方法1999年1月～2004年1月,收治26例严重胸腰椎爆裂骨折患者,男23例,女3例,年龄23～62岁。其中T2 6例,L1 12例,L2 4例,L3 3例,L4 1例。神经功能按改良Frankel分级评定：A级2例,B级13例,C级5例,D级6例。手术均行前路减压内固定重建术,其中4例因脊柱三柱结构损伤严重,同期先行后路减压椎弓根螺钉撑开复位固定融合术。结果26例术后影像学检查胸腰椎生理弧度基本恢复正常,椎管内减压彻底、充分。均获随访1～6年,平均17．7个月。术后3个月植骨区达骨性融合,神经功能除2例脊髓完全损伤出现不可逆恢复外,其余有1～3级不同程度改善。未出现脑积液漏、钢板螺钉松动断裂、明显植骨块吸收伤椎塌陷、继发性脊柱后突及节段性不稳等并发症,临床疗效满意。结论前路减压内固定修复重建严重胸腰椎爆裂骨折,具有减压彻底、植骨充分及内固定牢固等特点,有助于椎体高度恢复和神经功能改善。     

直接或间接复位对无神经症状型胸腰椎爆裂性骨折椎管重塑的影响

目的探讨直接或间接复位对无神经症状型胸腰椎爆裂性骨折椎管重塑的影响。方法将52例无神经症状型胸腰椎爆裂性骨折患者按照手术方式不同分为直接复位组(n=26)和间接复位组(n=26)。比较两组患者椎体骨块占位率、椎体前缘高度降低百分比、Cobb角、椎管重塑矢状径的恢复比率及ODI评分。结果患者均获得随访,时间12~15个月。末次随访时,两组ODI评分均较术前明显降低(P<0.001),两组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);两组椎体骨块占位率、椎体前缘高度降低百分比及Cobb角均较术前明显改善(P<0.01),两组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);椎管重塑矢状径的恢复比率间接复位组为15.7%±8.9%,直接复位组为11.8%±9.2%,两组间比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论直接或间接复位治疗无神经症状型胸腰椎爆裂性骨折患者均可获得较好的临床疗效。间接复位手术操作步骤减少,创伤小,且后期椎管重塑较好,更具优势。     

Indications and contraindications for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty

Introduction

Vertebral fractures (VF) are a leading cause of morbidity in the elderly. In the past decade, minimally invasive bone augmentation techniques for VF, such as percutaneous vertebroplasty (VP) and kyphoplasty (KP) have become more widespread. According to the literature, both techniques provide significant pain relief. However, KP is more expensive and technically more demanding than VP. The current study surveyed German surgeons who practice percutaneous augmentation to evaluate and compare decisions regarding the implementation of these techniques. Is there a difference in the indications and contraindications of VP and KP compared with the interdisciplinary consensus paper on VP and KP of the German medical association in the treatment of VF?

Methods

A multiple choice questionnaire was designed with questions regarding diagnostic procedures, clinical and radiologic (AO classification) indications, as well as contraindications for both VP and KP. A panel of five experts refined the initial questionnaire. The final version was then sent to 580 clinics registered to practice KP in Germany. The statistical analysis was done by two authors, who collected the questionnaire data and Wilcoxon’s signed ranks test was performed for non-parametric variables with SPSS.

Results

327 of 580 questionnaires (56.4%) were completed and returned. 151 (46.2%) of participants were performing both procedures, and 176 (53.8%) performed KP only. Median duration from onset of acute pain to intervention was 3 weeks. For most participants (95.4%), consistent back pain at the fracture level with a visual analog scale score over 5 was the main clinical indication for VP and KP. A1 and A3.1 fractures from osteoporosis and metastasis were considered indications for KP. Osteoporotic A1.1 fractures were an indication for VP. Traumatic A3.2 fractures were not an indication for either procedure. Major contraindications to both procedures were active infection (94.7%), cement allergy (86.8%), and coagulation disorders (80.3%).

Conclusion

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty both have roles in the treatment of vertebral fractures. However, we could see differences in the indications for the two percutaneous techniques. Participants of this study found more indications for KP versus VP in cases of painful A1.2 and A3.1 fractures due to osteoporosis, metastasis, and trauma. About half of the respondents reported that VP is indicated for osteoporotic and pathologic A1.1 fractures. This study offers only limited conclusions. Open questionnaires and prospective data from all clinicians performing these procedures should be analyzed to offer more specific information.     

Minimally Invasive Vertebral Augmentation Techniques in Osteoporotic Fractures

Abstract Minimally invasive vertebral augmentation techniques fill the gap between conservative treatment and open surgical fusion in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Both vertebroplasty (VP) and kyphoplasty (KP) have proven to be effective in the reinforcement of a fractured vertebral body and provide pain relief, but both procedures have technical differences. Furthermore, patient selection criteria are still under debate, as no randomized comparison trials of VP and KP exist. A competitive environment has arisen between both methods. In the authors’ opinion, VP and KP do not replace, but complement each other and offer both potential benefits. It is the purpose of this article to outline the different kinds of application of both methods.     

脊柱外固定器下MED技术联合椎体成形治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折

[目的]探讨在脊柱外固定器下用椎间盘镜行椎管减压联合椎体成形术(PVP)治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的临床疗效.[方法]2006年6月～2009年6月应用新型脊柱外固定器对伤椎行体外固定复位、椎间盘镜行椎管微创减压,联合经皮椎体成形术(PVP)用骨水泥固化伤椎或经椎弓根行椎体内植骨治疗36例胸腰椎爆裂性骨折,观察伤椎Cobb角、伤椎前缘高度比、椎管狭窄率的变化,随访6个月按照Frankel脊髓损伤分级标准评定患者神经功能恢复情况.[结果]所有患者均安全完成手术,无脊髓和神经根损伤发生,16例行PVP的患者拆除外固定的时间平均为(3.38±0.75)周,20例骨融合拆除外固定的时间平均在(10.5±2.27)周,术后随访6～41个月,平均20个月,5例出现外固定器钉孔感染,2例出现螺钉松动,均经相应处理或拆除外固定后治愈,无其他严重并发症发生.伤椎Cobb角由术前的平均30.7°±6.30°恢复至术后的平均4.62°±3.19°(P＜0.01);伤椎椎体前缘高度比平均恢复至94.6%±6.45%,较术前的58.66%±6.06%明显改善(P＜0.01);椎管狭窄率由术前的35.20%±8.73%改善至术后的平均7.65%±3.80%(P＜0.01);神经功能Frankel分级术后6个月时平均提高1.27±0.44级.[结论]脊柱外固定器结合椎间盘镜减压和椎体成形治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折能实现对胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的体外复位固定和微创减压,减少手术创伤和伤椎非椎间融合固定,是治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的疗效较好的微创手段.     

Bilateral transpedicular decompression and Harrington rod stabilization in the management of severe thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Fifty-eight patients with severe thoracolumbar burst fractures were treated with bilateral transpedicular decompression, Harrington rod instrumentation, and spine fusion. Spinal realignment and stabilization was achieved by contoured dual Harrington distraction rods supplemented by segmental sublaminal wiring. Posterior element fractures were noted in 25 patients, 9 of whom had associated dural tears. Computed tomography was performed to assess the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal before surgery and after decompression. Patients at initial evaluation averaged greater than 67% spinal canal compromise. After surgery, successful decompression was accomplished in 57 patients. One patient required staged, anterior thoracoabdominal decompression and fibula strut grafting. At follow-up (average, 43 months; range, 25-70 months), neurologic improvement was found in 77% of the patients who initially presented with neurologic deficits. Thirty-four of 40 patients with incomplete paraplegia improved one or more subgroups on the Frankel scale. A solid fusion was attained in all 58 patients. No patient had a significant residual kyphotic deformity. Single-stage bilateral transpedicular decompression and dual Harrington rod instrumentation reliably provides decompression of the spinal canal and restores spinal alignment. The procedure allows early mobilization and provides an environment for solid fusion and maximum neurologic return.     

Vertebral body compression fracture after removal of pedicle screws: a report of two cases

While the risks of pedicle screw insertion are well established, there is a paucity of reports on complications associated with implant removal. We report two cases of acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures of the instrumented vertebral body adjacent to the fractured vertebra due to removal of pedicle screws in two female patients previously treated for vertebral lumbar burst fractures. Both patients had experienced only mild occasional pain at the thoracolumbar junction prior to the removal of the implants. In the formerly almost asymptomatic individuals, the acute osteoporotic fractures led to persistent severe back pain despite prolonged intensive treatment. Patients must be thoroughly informed of the rare but potential risks of spinal implant removal, particularly in cases of osteoporosis. We therefore do not recommend removal of spinal implants unless there are clear clinical indications for implant removal.     

椎板回植椎管成形治疗严重胸腰椎爆裂性骨折伴椎管狭窄

目的：探讨椎板回植椎管成形治疗严重胸腰椎爆裂性骨折伴椎管狭窄的手术技巧、疗效及适应证。方法：41例胸腰椎骨折伴椎管狭窄患者，采用椎板回植椎管成形术。观察术后伤椎椎管大小、脊柱的稳定性、椎体高度的恢复及神经功能恢复情况。结果：全部病例经1～3年的随访，伤椎椎体前缘高度由术前58％恢复至97％，椎体后缘（中柱）高度由术前76％恢复至98．7％，Cobb角由术前平均24．6。恢复至术后1．8°。伤椎椎管剩余容积由术前43％恢复至术后93％。瘫痪恢复按Frankel分级：A级中1倒无变化，余40例均提高1-3级。结论：椎板回植椎管成形治疗严重胸腰椎爆裂性骨折伴椎管狭窄是一种较理想的手术方法，此方法操作相对简单、安全，彻底解除神经及硬膜囊压迫的同时扩大了椎管，杜绝了继发性椎管狭窄，重建了后柱结构，增加了脊柱稳定性，值得推广。     

椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折

骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折被认为是经皮椎体成形术及椎体后凸成形术的相对禁忌证。无神经症状的骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折在临床上较常见,其治疗方法有待探讨。目的：探讨椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折的可行性、疗效及椎管重建情况。方法：回顾性分析2008年1月至2009年1月采用椎体后凸成形术治疗的无神经症状的骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折患者18例。术前、术后及末次随访时采用疼痛视觉模拟评分（visual analog score,VAS）评估疼痛程度;Oswsetry功能障碍指数（Oswsetry disability index,ODI）评估患者日常生活功能;测量术前、术后及末次随访时骨折椎体椎管内骨块占位率,骨折椎体前缘、中缘的高度,Cobb角。结果：18例全部获得随访,随访时间为12—33个月,平均20．4个月。术后无感染、肺栓塞等并发症,仅1例患者出现椎间盘少量骨水泥渗漏但无症状。患者术后疼痛迅速缓解,VAS评分术前8．2±1．3分,术后2．8±0．8分（P〈0．05）,末次随访时维持在3．04-0．8分。ODI评分术前为67．4％±7．7％,术后降至37．8％±3．1％（P〈0．05）,末次随访时为38．9％4-2．6％。椎管内骨块占位率术前与术后无统计学差异（P〉0．05）,术前与末次随访比较有统计学差异（P〈0．05）,椎体前、中缘和Cobb角的术前与术后、术前与末次随访比较有统计学差异（P〈0．05）。结论：椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折安全、有效;椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折亦存在椎管重建现象。     

Comparison of the adjacent-level fracture rate between instrumented fusion plus vertebroplasty and vertebroplasty alone in osteoporotic spine

Background/PurposePrevious study revealed a high incidence of adjacent-level fracture after vertebroplasty. On the other hand, instrumented fusion plus bone cement augmentation of anterior column have been reported to achieve significant sagittal alignment reduction and strong spinal fixation. Our hypothesis is that instrumented fusion plus vertebroplasty can prevent adjacent-level fractures in high-risk patients.MethodsPatients with predisposing risk factor for adjacent-level fracture were included. All enrolled patients were treated with instrumented fusion plus vertebroplasty (IF) or vertebroplasty alone (VP), and a standardized postoperative care and follow-up protocol was followed. Data from charts and radiographs were collected and analyzed.ResultsA total of 59 patients (40 women and 19 men) with a mean age of 75.4 years were included in this study: 21 patients (15 females) in the IF group and 38 patients (25 females) in the VP group; the mean follow-up period was 34 months. Both groups were similar with respect to age, gender, bone density, involved level, preoperative visual analog scale, and image parameters. It was noted that a greater volume of bone cement was injected in the IF group. Both groups achieved significant improvement in pain scale and image parameters. The overall adjacent-level fracture was 57.89% in VP group. But no adjacent-level fracture was noted in the IF group.ConclusionInstrumented fusion plus vertebroplasty and vertebroplasty alone can provide significant image parameters recovery, and visual analog scale score improvement. However, instrumented fusion plus vertebroplasty is effective in prophylaxis against adjacent-level fracture.     

胸腔镜辅助下经膈肌手术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折

目的探讨胸腔镜辅助下经膈肌切开手术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折的可行性及临床应用效果。方法2002年9月至2004年9月应用胸腔镜辅助下经膈肌手术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折22例,男15例,女7例;年龄28～71岁,平均39岁。骨折节段位于T112例、T1210例、L110例。完全性截瘫7例,不完全性截瘫15例。所有病例均行前路减压、植骨及钢板内固定。结果手术时间180～320min,平均230min;出血量500～2000ml,平均900ml。全部病例随访9￣35个月,平均19.5个月。CT显示骨折碎块清除彻底,椎管减压充分。椎间植骨均融合,融合时间平均3.8个月。1例螺钉固定时穿入椎间隙,经术中透视后及时纠正;1例术后出现脑脊液漏,经改变体位1周后愈合。术后未出现胸腔积液、气胸、膈肌疝等并发症。4例全瘫未恢复,14例神经功能明显恢复。结论胸腔镜辅助下经膈肌手术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折可做到良好的椎管减压、植骨及内固定。胸腔镜下切开及修复膈肌无须特殊的内镜设备,能避免经胸腹膜后及胸腹联合切口的并发症。     

Pyramesh钛网配合Z-plate治疗严重胸腰椎爆裂性骨折

目的探讨Pyramesh钛网配合Z-plate在治疗严重胸腰椎爆裂性骨折中的应用价值.方法16例胸腰椎爆裂性骨折伴脊髓或马尾损伤患者进行前路椎体次全切除减压,自体碎骨装入Pyramesh钛网后行椎体间植骨,加用Z-plate内固定.结果术后随访3～13个月,平均9.5个月,全部病例椎间植骨均牢固融合,椎间高度和生理曲度保持满意,神经功能恢复良好,钢板螺钉未松动.结论采用Pyramesh钛网配合Z-plate治疗胸腰椎严重爆裂性骨折可使椎管减压彻底,植骨融合率高,能有效的维持椎间高度和生理曲度,有利神经功能恢复,是治疗严重胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的理想方法之一.     

Comparison of two Types of Surgery for Thoraco-Lumbar Burst Fractures: Combined Anterior and Posterior Stabilisation vs. Posterior Instrumentation Only

Summary  This retrospective study compares clinical outcome following two different types of surgery for thoracolumbar burst fractures. Forty-six patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures causing encroachment of the spinal canal greater than 50% were operated on within 30 days performing either: combined anterior decompression and stabilisation and posterior stabilisation (Group 1) or posterior distraction and stabilisation using pedicle instrumentation (AO internal fixator) (Group 2). We evaluated: neurological status (Frankel Grade), spinal deformities, residual pain, and complications. The average follow-up was 6 years. There were no significant differences between the patients in both groups concerning age, sex, cause of injury and the presence of other severe injuries. Neurological dysfunction was present in 39% of all cases. Bony union occurred in all patients. Loss of reduction greater than 5 degrees and instrumentation failure occurred significantly more often in Group 2 compared to Group 1, but the kyphosis angle at late follow-up did not differ between groups, due to some degree of overcorrection initially after surgery in Group 2. The clinical outcome was similar in both groups, and all but one patient with neurological deficits improved by at least one Frankel grade.  Indirect decompression of the spinal canal by posterior distraction and short-segment stabilisation with AO internal fixator is considered appropriate treatment for the majority of unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures. This is a less extensive surgical procedure than a combined anterior and posterior approach.     

直入式注入聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯骨水泥强化椎弓根钉内固定治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎骨折

目的 探讨应用直入式注入聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA)骨水泥强化椎弓根钉内固定治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎骨折的疗效.方法 2009年1月至2010年2月应用直入式注入PMMA骨水泥强化椎弓根钉内固定治疗14例骨质疏松性胸腰椎骨折患者,男9例,女5例;年龄50～72岁,平均61岁.临床疗效采用视觉模拟(VAS)疼痛评分、Frankel分级方法进行评定,应用X线片评估术后内固定效果.结果 14例患者中13例术后获6～22个月(平均18.4个月)随访,1例失访.VAS评分由术前平均7.9分降至术后平均1.2分,7例合并有神经损伤的患者Frankel分级术后平均改善1.2级,58枚椎弓根钉中54枚行直入式注入PMMA骨水泥强化,术后所有患者均未出现与骨水泥渗漏相关的神经损伤症状和体征.X线片示椎弓根螺钉未发生松动及脱出,周围无透亮线出现.后凸角由术前平均21.8°改善至术后平均10.3°,末次随访后凸角平均为14.3°,平均后凸角矫正丢失40°.结论 应用直入式注入PMMA骨水泥强化椎弓根钉内固定治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎骨折可获得满意的临床疗效.

Abstract：

Objective To explore clinical outcomes of direct injection of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) to augment pedicle screw fixation for osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures. Methods From January 2009 to February 2010, 14 patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar fracture underwent spinal decompression and instrumentation with PMMA augmentation of pedicle screw by direct injection. They were 9 men and 5 women, aged from SO to 72 years (average, 61 years). The clinical outcomes were evaluated by the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Frankel scale. Radiologic findings were documented to assess postoperative internal fixation. Results All but one of the patients obtained a mean follow-up of 18. 4 months (from 6 to 22 months). The mean VAS scores of the patients improved from 7. 9 to 1. 2 points (P < 0. 01). Postoperatively, Frankel grading for the 7 patients with neurologic deficit improved by 1. 2 grades. Totally 54 of the 58 screws were augmented with PMMA. There was neither neurologic deterioration nor symptomatic cement leakage after surgery. X-ray plain films revealed no screw loosening, pullout or bright lines around screws. On average,kyphotic deformity was improved from 21. 8° preoperatively to 10. 3° postoperatively (P <0. 01), and returned to 14. 3° at the final follow-up. The average loss of kyphosis correction was 4°. Conclusion Pedicle screw fixation after vertebral augmentation with PMMA by direct injection can gain a satisfactory clinical outcome for patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar fracture.