Does an osteoporotic vertebral fracture treated by balloon kyphoplasty successfully achieve bone union during the follow-up? A retrospective study with a minimum 2-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether bone union is achieved in osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) patients who undergo balloon kyphoplasty (BKP).

METHODS: Thirty-six vertebrae, which were followed-up for more than two years after BKP, were evaluated in the present study. Bone union was assessed by using CT scans and lateral X-ray films obtained in the sitting and supine positions.

RESULTS: Twenty-seven vertebrae exhibited bone union at the final follow-up. The VAS scores improved in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS: Unstable vertebrae after treatment may develop complications; thus special attention should be paid to the treated vertebrae until bone union has been achieved.