Comparative efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty combined with minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation versus percutaneous vertebroplasty alone in the treatment of elderly osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

TL;DR

In elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, combined percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) plus minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation provided superior pain relief, vertebral height restoration, and functional recovery compared to PVP alone, with shorter blood loss and hospital stay despite longer operative time.

Key findings

• Combined PVP and pedicle screw fixation achieved significantly better pain reduction and spinal alignment correction (Cobb angle) than PVP alone
• Vertebral height restoration was superior in the combined approach with improved functional outcomes (JOA scores, ADI, ODI) at 3-month follow-up
• Postoperative inflammatory markers (CRP, WBC, neutrophils) were lower in the combined group, suggesting reduced systemic inflammation
• Hospital stay and blood loss decreased with combined treatment despite longer operative time, with no significant difference in complication rates between groups

Why this matters at the bedside

For elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, the findings suggest that adding minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation to vertebroplasty may optimize outcomes including pain control, spinal alignment, and functional independence without raising perioperative complications, though operative time increases.