Objective
This study was conducted to assess the effect of percutaneous vertebroplasty in the patients with chronic osteoporotic compression fracture at the thoracic and the lumbar vertebra. Method: Twelve patients with chronic osteoporotic compression fracture of thoracic and lumbar vertebra were engaged in this study. Treated levels were from the ninth thoracic vertebra to the fifth lumbar vertebra. Effects were assessed on the first day, 1 month after treatment and the last follow up (average 164 days after vertebroplasty; range 60 days to 302 days) by visual analogue scale (VAS), McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ), and compression ratio of vertebral body. Complication rate was assessed. Results: Significant improvement by VAS and MPQ was noticed on the first day, 1 month after treatment and the last follow up. Further vertebral height loss was not noticed on follow-up. Conclusion: Percutaneous vertebroplasty can be an effective treatment method in patients with chronic back pain due to osteoporotic compression fracture at the thoracic and the lumbar vertebra. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2004; 28: 247-252)
