Evaluation of functional and radiological outcome of symptomatic osteoporotic dorso-lumbar fractures treated by kyphoplasty versus posterior spinal fixation

Background: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) commonly affect the dorsolumbar spine and result in pain, kyphotic deformity, and impaired quality of life. While both kyphoplasty and posterior spinal fixation (PSF) are utilized in surgical management, comparative data on functional and radiological outcomes are limited. Objective: To evaluate and compare functional recovery and kyphotic correction in patients undergoing kyphoplasty versus posterior spinal fixation (with or without vertebroplasty) for symptomatic osteoporotic dorsolumbar fractures. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from January 2023 to December 2024 at Civil Hospital Ahmedabad involving 25 patients with symptomatic dorsolumbar OVCFs. Patients undergone kyphoplasty (n=13) or PSF (n=12) based on clinical indications. Outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), local kyphosis angle, and anterior vertebral body height over 6 months. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in pain and function with no statistical difference in VAS and ODI scores at 6 months. Kyphoplasty demonstrated superior kyphosis correction (8.72° vs. 5.99°, p<0.001) and vertebral height restoration (26.57 mm vs. 20.04 mm, p=0.001). Kyphoplasty was also associated with shorter operative time, reduced blood loss, and fewer complications. Conclusion: Kyphoplasty is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure providing better kyphotic correction and recovery compared to posterior spinal fixation in selected OVCF patients without instability or neurological deficits.