A randomized trial comparing 2 techniques of balloon kyphoplasty and curette use for obtaining vertebral body height restoration and angular-deformity correction in vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vertebral compression fractures often result in pain and vertebral deformity. We compared 2 different balloon kyphoplasty techniques both using intraoperative curettage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adults 50 years of age or older with osteoporosis and 1 acute VCF were randomized to undergo bilateral BKP in which the curette was used first (n = 57) followed by inflatable bone tamps or in which IBTs were used first, followed by curettage and a second IBT inflation (n = 55). RESULTS: Mean procedure duration was 33.5 and 36.8 minutes, and fluoroscopy duration was 3.8 and 3.7 minutes for the CF and IBTF groups, respectively. Two-thirds of VCFs were wedge-shaped, and one-half had dynamic mobility. Anterior height restored postoperatively was 2.28 mm (95% CI, 1.49-3.08 mm;P