Objective: To determine whether the facet joint violation (FJV) impacts clinical outcomes after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.
Methods: Patients undergoing bilateral PKP were enrolled and divided into FJV and non-FJV groups depending on their postoperative axial computed tomography scans. Radiologic parameters, visual analogue scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were obtained preoperatively and each follow-up time postoperatively (1day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year). Finally, patient satisfaction surveys also were noted.
Results: A total of 157 patients completed the 1-year follow-up. The incidence of FJV resulting from puncture trocars was 15.9% (25/157). Approximately 5.7% (9/157) and 10.2% (16/157) of patients were considered to have grade 1 and grade 2 violation, respectively. PKP decreased the VAS and ODI scores compared with the preoperative values in both groups. Patients with FJV had much greater VAS and ODI scores than did those without FJV at 1-day, 1-week, and 1-month follow-up. No significant differences were found between groups at 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow up. Patients in the FJV group were less satisfied with the surgical outcomes than were those without FJV at the last survey.
Conclusions: Approximately 15.9% of patients were diagnosed with FJV by postoperative computed tomography scans. FJV had a negative influence on clinical outcomes after PKP in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, primarily at short-term follow-up. In addition, FJV was also a risk factor in the long-term surgical satisfaction.
Keywords: Clinical outcome; Facet joint violation; Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture; Percutaneous kyphoplasty.
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