Percutaneous Sacroplasty for Non-neoplastic Osteoporotic Sacral Insufficiency Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is an important problem in those of advanced age. Osteoporosis can induce sacral insufficiency fractures (SIFs). As average life expectancy increases, the number of patients with osteoporotic SIFs also increases. Osteoporotic SIFs cause severe low back pain and immobilization. Treatment of SIFs varies from analgesia to surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To describe our experience and assess the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive percutaneous sacroplasty in patients with osteoporotic SIFs.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation.

SETTING: The spine and joint specialized hospital's research center.

METHODS: We reviewed cases of percutaneous sacroplasty performed since 2009. We used data only from patients with osteoporotic SIFs who were followed for more than 12 months after sacroplasty. Tumor-related SIFs were excluded from our analysis. The following clinical parameters were investigated: initial diagnosis, symptoms, visual analog scale (VAS) of pain, functional mobility scale (FDC) score, past history of illness, amount of bone cement infused, and complications related to sacroplasty. Also, the following radiological parameters were analyzed: the pattern of SIFs, T-score cement leakage, and concomitant fractures in other sites.

RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were enrolled in our study (4 men and 64 women). The mean age of the patients was 76.8 ± 6.2 years. All patients had severe osteoporosis (mean T score: -3.9 ± 0.5). Percutaneous sacroplasty was performed under fluoroscopic guidance. No major complications or procedure-related morbidity occurred. FDS and VAS scores significantly improved after sacroplasty, and the improvements lasted through the final follow-up period (P < 0.05).

LIMITATIONS: This study is a retrospective analysis without a control group.

CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous sacroplasty is an effective minimally invasive treatment for osteoporotic SIFs refractory to conservative management. The study patients experienced significant relief of pain and increased mobility.Key words: Sacrum, sacroplasty, insufficiency fractures, osteoporosis, minimally invasive surgery.