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Quality of Life Improved with Vertebroplasty in Frail Elderly

Compression fractures of the spine from osteoporosis are often very painful. A newer treatment called percutaneous vertebroplasty is becoming more popular because it gives fast pain relief. But do the good results last and for how long? That's the focus of this study.

In a percutaneous vertebroplasty the surgeon injects a medical-grade cement through a needle into a painful fractured vertebral body. This holds the fracture together and stabilizes the bone.

Patients at the Center for Bone Diseases in Marshfield, Wisconsin, took part in this six month long study. Forty-six patients with severe pain and difficulty with daily activities were included. All had failed to get better with conservative care.

Pain level and quality of life were the main measures of success. Everyone was tested in these areas before the operation, at two weeks, at two months, and six months after theoperation.

The authors found good results with fast pain relief (within one day) that lasted. No bone fractures occur as a result of the treatment. Quality of life improved and stayed improved through the six months marker. They conclude that percutaneous vertebroplasty can be used safely in frail, elderly patients.

References: Fergus McKiernan, MD et al. Quality of Life Following Vertebroplasty. In The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. December 2004. Vol. 86-A. No. 12. Pp. 2600-2605.

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