Kyphoplasty as a Treatment Option for Burst Fractures: Patient Outcomes and Functional Benefits

Introduction: Kyphoplasty offers a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of spinal fractures, aiming to restore vertebral structure, prevent further collapse, and reduce or eliminate pain from the compression fracture. The efficacy and safety of kyphoplasty in patients with burst fractures is not well established. This study aims to report outcomes in patients who underwent kyphoplasty for spinal burst fractures.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with burst fractures treated from 2018 to 2023. Patients who underwent kyphoplasty were identified, with those lacking follow-up imaging excluded. Clinical characteristics and follow-up outcomes were obtained through chart review. The primary outcome was need for surgical intervention after kyphoplasty.

Results: We identified 10 patients (mean age 67.9 years, range 36-93 years) with burst factures who underwent kyphoplasty. Spinal involvement from burst fractures varied from T11-L3. The average hospital stay was 6 days. All patients were classified as ASIA E. Six patients received kyphoplasty within one week of injury, while the remaining four underwent kyphoplasty between 1- and 4-months post-injury. Nine patients had a TLICS score of 2, and one patient had a TLICS score of 5 due to associated PLC injury. Kyphoplasty was performed for pain management in 7 patients and significant/worsening vertebral height loss in 3 patients. Eight patients had some degree of mobility impairment due their spinal injury. At follow up, 70% of patients reported improvement in pain and 75% of patients reported improved mobility. One patient experienced progression of an L2 compression fracture, but pain and mobility improved with conservative management. Otherwise, no patient had complications from kyphoplasty on follow up X-Ray. No patient required additional surgical fixation.

Conclusion : Kyphoplasty appears to be a safe and effective procedure option for patients with spinal burst fractures. Our findings suggest it can offer these patients benefits in both pain relief and mobility improvement.