Effect of vertebroplasty with bone filler device and comparison with balloon kyphoplasty.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of vertebroplasty with a bone filler device compared with balloon kyphoplasty. Methods: A total of 222 patients underwent operations from January 2008 to October 2012. One-level fractures numbered 169 (86.7 %) cases and two-level fractures numbered 26 (13.3 %). A total of 221 vertebral levels were analyzed consequently. Vertebral height, compression ratio, and segmental Cobb's angle were measured in preoperative and postoperative lateral X-rays. Results: The compression ratio was the most influential parameter among three variables. Adjusted postoperative compression ratio was not significantly different between two operation groups. Bone cement leakage rates did not differ ( p < 0.05). Bone cement distribution was spongy type in the majority of the vertebroplasty with bone filler device (94.5 %), but only in 42.0 % of the kyphoplasty. High bone densitometry readings and long period from diagnosis to operation were significant risk factors for bone cement leakage. Conclusions: Vertebroplasty with a bone filler device could achieve equivalent compression reduction and bone cement leakage rate, as well as greater sponge-type bone cement distribution, which were advantages over balloon kyphoplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]