Abstract: Objective To observe the clinical effect and safety of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) on osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) in elderly. Methods From January, 2014 to May, 2015, 88 patients with OVCF treated with PKP were retrospective studied. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Dysfunction Index (ODI) were used to evaluate the pain and quality of life, and the kyphotic angle (Cobb's angle) and anterior vertebral body height were recorded before operation, one week after operation and the last follow- up. The cement leakage and its effect on nerve function were recorded. Results Bone cement leakage was found in eleven patients, in which two in pedicle, three in venous leakage, three in intervertebral disc and three in vertebral posterior. Nerve root symptoms appeared in one patient, who was treated with decompression. The scores of VAS and ODI, and the Cobb's angel were significantly lower (t>29.518, P< 0.001), and the vertebral body height was significantly higher (t>35.173, P<0.001) one week after operation and the last follow-up than before operation. Conclusion PKP is safe and effective for OVCF in elderly. It can efficiently reduce the pain, correct kyphotic deformity and improve the quality of life.

Key words: vertebral compression fracture, osteoporosis, percutaneous kyphoplasty, bone cement, complication