The safety and efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty for patients over 90 years old

Objective To retrospectively analyze the safety and efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for patients aged 90 or over. Materials and methods We analyzed 130 consecutive patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures who underwent a first-time PVP between May 2015 and September 2017 at our institution. We divided them into the elder patient group aged 90 years or over ( n = 21) and the younger patient group under 90 years ( n = 109). We compared the two groups’ background, treatments, and outcomes using univariate analyzes and the log rank test. Results A significant difference was observed in dementia (19% in the younger group vs. 48% in the elder group, p < 0.01). No significant difference was revealed in the procedure time or the rate of complications. The post-PVP mobility function and the pain level were significantly improved compared to before PVP in both groups ( p < 0.01 each). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in the recurrence of vertebral fracture after treatment (17% vs. 14%) or the 1-year survival rate (79% vs. 86%), respectively. Conclusion The results of our analyzes suggested that a PVP can safely and effectively contribute to pain relief as well as the restoration of ambulation for patients aged 90 or over.