Effects of mobilization time on occurrence of new fractures after vertebroplasty

Abstract

Introduction. Osteoporotic vertebral fracture treatment options include vertebroplasty, in which development of new fractures is among the possible complications which may develop during the postoperative period. We aim to evaluate whether or not postoperative mobilization time has effect on occurrence of new fractures. Materials and Methods. A total of 126 patients, consisting of 30 (39.7%) males and 96 (60.3%) females, who underwent sedation-assisted vertebroplasty under local anesthesia between January 2014 and June 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. Preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scores (VASs) and mobilization time (hours) were assessed. Day of new fracture occurrence during follow-up was assessed. Results. The mean follow-up period was 9 months (7-13 months). The most common fracture segment was the L1 vertebra (15.9%). The preoperative VAS was 8.29 ± 0.95, and the postoperative VAS was 2.33 ± 0.91. The change in VAS was statistically significant (p=0.01, p<0.05). Of all the patients, 21 (16.66%) had developed new fractures. No statistical difference was observed between mobilization time (hours) and formation of new fractures (p=0.48, p>0.05). Conclusion. We came to the conclusion that mobilization time (hours) was not a risk factor in the development of new fractures. In addition, there is no relationship between mobilization time and localization of new fractures.