Percutaneous Vertebroplasty versus Nonoperative Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures frequently result in pain and decreased quality of life (QoL). The management of these fractures remains a topic of debate. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, we analyzed randomized controlled trials comparing percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) with non-operative treatment (non-OT). The outcomes of interest included pain, QoL, cement leakage, and new osteoporotic vertebral fractures after 1 year. Compared to non-OT regarding pain relief, PV yielded significant improvement at 1-2 weeks, 1 month, 6 months (standard mean difference [SMD] = -0.67 (6/14; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.29 to -0.06; I² = 92%, random effects) and 1 year (mean difference = -1.07 (4/14; 95% CI: -1.97 to -0.18; I² = 97%, random effects). For QoL, notable improvements were observed at 1 week (standard mean difference = -2.10 (5/14; 95% CI: -3.77 to -0.42; I² = 98%, random effects) and 3 months (mean difference = -1.58 (4/14; 95% CI: -3.07 to -0.09; I² = 96%, random effects), with 1 month, 6 months and 1 year being inconclusive. A cement leakage rate of 42% (10/14; 95% CI: 25% to 59%; I² = 99%, random effects) was found. Further, PV did not significantly heighten the risk of new fractures within a year (odds ratio = 1.26 (6/14; 95% CI: 0.63 to 2.53; I² = 74%, random effects). PV emerges as a promising intervention for specific time intervals regarding pain relief, especially in the extended-term analysis, and QoL, especially in the short-term analysis, compared to non-OT. However, clinicians must consider cement leakage risks. Heterogeneity among studies underscores careful patient selection.

Keywords: Conservative treatment; Non-surgical treatment; Osteoporotic vertebral fractures; Percutaneous vertebroplasty; Spinal fractures; Vertebral augmentation; Vertebroplasty.