Balloon kyphoplasty for pure traumatic thoracolumbar fractures: retrospective analysis of 61 cases focusing on restoration of vertebral height.

Abstract

The literature concerning the use of balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) for pure traumatic fractures is unclear. We report our experience about the treatment of a specific subgroup of traumatic vertebral fractures (AOSpine type A) with BKP through a retrospective analysis. Sixty-one patients affected by AOSpine type A traumatic fractures of the thoracolumbar spine underwent BKP at our institution (2004-2008): 26 males and 35 females; mean age 52 ± 15 (18-75) years. At 6-12 and 60 months follow-up examinations, vertebral height restoration, sagittal spinal alignment and pain were recorded. Kyphoplasty proved to be a safe method to treat these fractures preserving a relative correct spinal sagittal balance with recovery of the morphology of the fractured vertebra, vertebral height and the angle of kyphosis. BKP used for traumatic fractures significantly alleviates pain, does not cause notable complications and enables patients to return to their normal lives in a short time.