Factors influencing further vertebral height loss following percutaneous vertebroplasty in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures:A 1-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCFs)contribute to back pain and functional limitations in older individuals,with percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)emerging as a minimally invasive treatment.However,further height loss post-PVP prompts investigation into contributing factors.AIM To investigate the factors associated with further height loss following PVP with cement augmentation in OVCF patients.METHODS A total of 200 OVCF patients who underwent successful PVP between January 2021 and December 2022 were included in this study.“Further height loss”during 1 year of follow-up in OVCF patients with bone edema was defined as a vertical height loss of≥4 mm.The study population was divided into two groups for analysis:The“No Further Height Loss group(n=179)”and the“Further Height Loss group(n=21).”RESULTS In comparing two distinct groups of patients,significant differences existed in bone mineral density(BMD),vertebral compression degree,prevalence of intravertebral cleft(IVF),type of bone cement used,and cement distribution patterns.Results from binary univariate regression analysis revealed that lower BMD,the presence of IVF,cleft distribution of bone cement,and higher vertebral compression degree were all significantly associated with further height loss.Notably,the use of mineralized collagen modified-poly(methyl methacrylate)bone cement was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of further height loss.In multivariate regression analysis,lower BMD and the presence of IVF remained significantly associated with further height loss.CONCLUSION Further height loss following PVP in OVCF patients is influenced by a complex interplay of factors,especially lower BMD and the presence of IVF.These findings underscore the importance of assessing and managing these factors when addressing height loss following PVP in OVCF patients.

Optimal duration of percutaneous microballoon compression for treatment of trigeminal nerve injury

Percutaneous microballoon compression of the trigeminal ganglion is a brand new operative technique for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. However, it is unclear how the procedure mediates pain relief, and there are no standardized criteria, such as compression pressure, com- pression time or balloon shape, for the procedure. In this study, percutaneous microballoon compression was performed on the rabbit trigeminal ganglion at a mean inflation pressure of 1,005 ＋ 150 mmHg for 2 or 5 minutes. At 1, 7 and 14 days after percutaneous microballoon compression, the large-diameter myelinated nerves displayed axonal swelling, rupture and demy- elination under the electron microscope. Fragmentation of myelin and formation of digestion chambers were more evident after 5 minutes of compression. Image analyzer results showed that the diameter of trigeminal ganglion cells remained unaltered after compression. These experi- mental findings indicate that a 2-minute period of compression can suppress pain transduction. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that vascular endothelial growth factor expression in the ganglion cells and axons was significantly increased 7 days after trigeminal ganglion compression, however, the changes were similar after 2-minute compression and 5-minute compression. The upregulated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in the ganglion cells after percu- taneous microballoon compression can promote the repair of the injured nerve. These findings suggest that long-term compression is ideal for patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia.

Percutaneous Balloon Compression and Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients with Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia: Management Outcome

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by paroxysmal, shock-like, stabbing, recurrent episodes of pain localized in the distribution area of one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. The Initial approach for treating trigeminal neuralgia consists of pharmacological therapy. Many patients experience initial pain relief with pharmacological therapy;however, most of those patients eventually undergo surgery. Patients and Methods: In this descriptive prospective study, we evaluate the efficiency and safety of percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating patients with typical idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. This study includes 21 patients (divided into two groups, PBC = 15 patients and RFA = six patients) who met our inclusion and exclusion criteria, from May 2018 to April 2019, with a follow-up period of six months. Results: At one month postoperative follow-up, all patients in both groups were pain-free. At six months postoperative follow-up, in group 1 (PBC), 14 (95.24%) patients were pain-free, while in group 2 (RFA) all patients remained pain-free. The most common encountered postoperative complications are masticatory muscles weakness (Four patients in PBC group, and one patient in RFA group) and facial hypothesia (12 patients in PBC group and four patients in RFA group). Conclusions: In our study, patients with trigeminal neuralgia were not controlled by drug treatment, but percutaneous balloon compression and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation proved to be very effective treatment options, with no major complications.

A Comparative Study of High-viscosity Cement Percutaneous Vertebroplasty vs. Low-viscosity Cement Percutaneous Kyphoplasty for Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

The clinical effects of two different methods–high-viscosity cement percutaneous vertebroplasty（PVP） and low-viscosity cement percutaneous kyphoplasty（PKP） in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures（OVCFs） were investigated. From June 2010 to August 2013, 98 cases of OVCFs were included in our study. Forty-six patients underwent high-viscosity PVP and 52 patients underwent low-viscosity PKP. The occurrence of cement leakage was observed. Pain relief and functional activity were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale（VAS） and Oswestry Disability Index（ODI）, respectively. Restoration of the vertebral body height and angle of kyphosis were assessed by comparing preoperative and postoperative measurements of the anterior heights, middle heights and the kyphotic angle of the fractured vertebra. Nine out of the 54 vertebra bodies and 11 out of the 60 vertebra bodies were observed to have cement leakage in the high-viscosity PVP and low-viscosity PKP groups, respectively. The rate of cement leakage, correction of anterior vertebral height and kyphotic angles showed no significant differences between the two groups（P〉0.05）. Low-viscosity PKP had significant advantage in terms of the restoration of middle vertebral height as compared with the high-viscosity PVP（P〈0.05）. Both groups showed significant improvements in pain relief and functional capacity status after surgery（P〈0.05）. It was concluded that high-viscosity PVP and low-viscosity PKP have similar clinical effects in terms of the rate of cement leakage, restoration of the anterior vertebral body height, changes of kyphotic angles, functional activity, and pain relief. Low-viscosity PKP is better than high-viscosity PVP in restoring the height of the middle vertebra.

A combination of digital design and three-dimensional printing to assist treatment of thoracolumbar compression fractures using percutaneous kyphoplasty

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the preoperative digita1 design combined with three dimensional(3D)printing models to assist percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP)treatment for thoracolumbar compression frac tures.Methods:From January 2018 to August 2020,we obtained data of 99 patients diagnosed thoracolumbar compression fractures.These patients were divided into control group(n=50)underwent traditional PKP surgery,and observation group(n=49)underwent preoperative digital design combined with 3D printing model assisted PKP treatment.The clinical efficacy was evaluated with five parameters,including operation time,number of intraoperative radiographs,visual analogue scale(VAS)score,Cobb Angle change,and high compression rate of injured vertebrae.Results:There were statistically significant differences of operation time and number of intraoperative radio graphs between the two groups(P<0.05).For VAS score,Cobb Angle change and vertebral height compression rate,all of these three parameters were significantly improved when the patients accepted surgery teatment in two groups(P<0.05).However,there were no significant differences between control group and observation group for these three parameters either before or after surgery(P>0.05).Conclusions:Through the design of preoperative surgical guide plate and the application of 3D printing model to guide the operation,the precise design of preoperative surgical puncture site and puncture Angle of the injured vertebra was realized,the number of intraoperative radiographs was reduced,the operation time was shortened and the operation efficiency was improved.

Diagnosis and Treatment and Infection Protection Strategy of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Kyphoplasty Surgery during the Prevention and Control of COVID-19

Background: As the global novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) remains severe, elderly people are at high risk for NCP and osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, with high complications and mortality. How to treat patients and protect medical staff from infection, and at the same time strictly prevent the occurrence of clustered transmission events in the hospital, the establishment of perfect pre-hospital emergency measures and infection prevention and control strategy is the first element to ensure success. Objective: To establish the diagnosis and treatment and infection protection strategy for Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) patients undergoing minimally invasive percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) surgery during the prevention and control of COVID-19, so as to ensure the stable, orderly and safe medical treatment. Methods: A total of 583 OVCF patients were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University during the epidemic prevention and control period from January 2020 to July 2022. After urgent and outpatient strict standardized screening, 382 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 112 males and 270 females, aged (70.50 ± 5.49) years. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.92 ± 1.86. Preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) was 74.67 ± 4.84. The satisfaction rate was (45.89 ± 3.67) %. According to the clinical diagnostic criteria and classification, 367 patients were diagnosed as ordinary OVCF, including 156 cases of mild compression and 226 cases of moderate compression. The clinical classification of 15 patients with OVCF diagnosed as COVID-19 was type I, including 10 cases of mild COVID-19 and 5 cases of common COVID-19. All patients were treated with PKP. Results: All patients were followed up at 1 day, 1 month and 3 months after operation, VAS (2.01 ± 0.56, 0.45 ± 0.11, 0 ± 0), ODI (45.41 ± 4.15, 10.22 ± 2.73, 4.03 ± 1.57) and satisfaction (90.12%, 95.57%, 99.23%) were significantly improved compared with those before operation (p < 0.05), and the original medical diseases were not aggravated. In this group, 15 cases of OVCF diagnosed with COVID-19 were given priority to treat COVID-19 under strict three-level protection in the designated isolation ward. PKP was carried out after the condition was stable, and the areas, items and personnel in contact with patients during the perioperative period must be strictly and thoroughly disinfected. The patient had a good prognosis, no complications, no cross-infection in the hospital, and no infection rate among medical staff. Conclusions: The implementation of the diagnosis and treatment and infection protection strategy for OVCF patients undergoing minimally invasive PKP surgery during the prevention and control of COVID-19 has a guiding role in preventing the spread of infection, improving the cure rate, promoting rapid recovery, reducing complications and reducing mortality.

Meta-analysis of percutaneous kyphoplasty for elderly osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP)in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCF)in the elderly by meta-analysis,and to provide a basis for clinical application.Methods:CNKI,Wanfang,Weipu,CBM,PubMed,the Cochrane Library and EMbase were retrieved by computer from the date of establishment to January 2019.The literature on randomized controlled trials of PKP and conservative treatment of OVCF was collected and diagnosed as thoracolumbar vertebral compression fracture by X-ray,CT,and MRI.Osteoporosis of thoracolumbar vertebrae(T<2.5)was determined by bone mineral density measurements.Age(>50 years old)and course of the disease(<3 months).Postoperative outcome indicators included at least one of the following indicators:visual analogue scale.VAS and Oswestry Dysfunction Index(ODI),changes of Cobb angle of diseased vertebrae and height of the anterior edge of diseased vertebrae.The quality of the included literature was evaluated by referring to the evaluation criteria for randomized controlled trials provided in the Cochrane Systematic Evaluation Manual.Results:Six randomized controlled trials studies were included,all of which were Chinese literature.Five of them had 4 or more points in methodological quality evaluation and one had 3 points in methodology quality evaluation.There were 525 patients in the two groups,267 in the PKP group and 258 in the conservative treatment group.Meta-analysis showed that the pain visual analogue score in the PKP group was significantly higher than that in the conservative treatment group[MD=2.10,95%CI(-2.25,-1.95),P<0.00001].There were significant differences between the PKP group and the conservative treatment(CT)group[MD=8.90,95%CI(-9.86,-7.94),P<0.00001]in the changes of the Cobb angle of the diseased vertebrae after treatment.There were significant differences in the ODI and the height of the anterior edge of the diseased vertebrae(P<0.05).Conclusion:PKP treatment of OVCF can effectively reduce pain visual analogue score,improve dysfunction index(ODI)and improve the quality of life of patients.It can also effectively restore the height of vertebral loss,correct the Cobb angle of the diseased vertebrae,and reduce the risk of recurrent fracture of the adjacent vertebral body and serious complications.

Treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures by percutaneous vertebroplasty

Objective: To explore the effect of pe rc utaneous vertebroplasty to treat osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractur es. Methods: Seventeen patients with compression fractures at 27 different levels came in for percutaneous vertebroplasty. Under the guidance of C-arm image intensifier, bone needle was inserted into the fracture vertebral bodies via a unilateral transpedicular approach. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) w as injected slowly under continuous fluoroscopic control. Then the effect was ev aluated after operation. Results: Follow-up results among 15 pa tients were studied, other two patients lost contact. The follow-up period was from three to seven months. No patient had relapse of compression fracture. Leak age of the cement outside the vertebral body was seen in four bodies. All patien ts had a complete relief after Percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP). Conclus ion: PVP is an efficient minimally invasive technique to treat osteoporo tic vertebral body compression fractures.

The Clinical Effect of Zoledronic Acid Combined with Teriparatide in Perverting Recurrent Fracture of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compressive Fractures in the Elderly after Percutaneous Kyphoplasty

Background: Zoledronic acid and teriparatide have been proved to be effective in improving bone metabolism and preventing fractures, but there is no clear clinical report on the efficacy of their combined application. Purpose: To discuss the clinical effect of zoledronic acid combined with teriparatide in perverting recurrent fracture of osteoporotic vertebral compressive fractures (OVCF) in the elderly after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). Method: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University in China from September 2018 and September 2019. A total of 60 patients with OVCF were enrolled in the study (zoledronic acid: 20 cases;teriparatide: 20 cases;zoledronic acid + teriparatide: 20 cases). Observe and compare the changes of bone mineral density (BMD), pro-collagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and cross-linked C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) before surgery, 6 months and 1 year after surgery. At the same time, secondary fracture events and adverse reaction events were recorded during the follow-up period. Results: After normalized treatment, the bone metabolism indexes of PINP and β-CTX were improved and BMD was increased in three groups. Adverse Reactions: There was no statistical significance in the incidence of fever, gastrointestinal reactions and myalgia among the three groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of recurrent fractures in group A was higher than that in group C (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between group B and group C (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Zoledronic acid combined with teriparatide is superior to Zoledronic acid in preventing the risk of recurrent fracture after PKP for old patients with OVCF, but it has no significant advantage over teriparatide.

Full-endoscopic spine surgery treatment of lumbar foraminal stenosis after osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures:A case report

BACKGROUND Few reports have described lumbar foraminal stenosis-induced radiculopathy after treatment by full-endoscopic spine surgery(FESS)combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)in patients with vertebral compression fractures.We herein report such a case,including the patient’s treatment process and doctor’s surgical experience.CASE SUMMARY A 79-year-old man presented with symptoms of radiculopathy after sustaining L4 vertebral compression fractures.Imaging and physical examination revealed L4 vertebral compression fractures combined with L3/4 Lumbar foraminal stenosis(LFS).The patient’s symptoms were low back pain with pain in the lateral left leg.Although many reports have described radiculopathy induced by osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures,the use of FESS combined with PVP has rarely been reported.This case report indicates that the combination of FESS and PVP is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of LFS-induced radiculopathy after vertebral compression fractures.This minimally invasive technique has great potential to replace traditional lumbar fixation and decompression surgery.Thus,we suggest the continued accumulation of similar cases to discuss the wider application of FESS.CONCLUSION For patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF)and LFS,PVP and FESS can be used to restore the vertebral height and reduce the pressure around the intervertebral foramen.Additionally,the combination of FESS and PVP can treat the pain or numbness of the low back and lower limbs and allow for recovery in a short time with excellent postoperative effects.In general,FESS is a good treatment for radiculopathy caused by foraminal stenosis after OVCF.

Longitudinal stent compression of everolimus-eluting stent: A report of 2 cases

Second generation drug eluting stents(DES) have shown better safety and efficacy in comparison to first generation DES,because of thinner struts,nondurable polymers and coating with better anti-proliferative drugs.The newer DES with cobalt alloy base have demonstrated a greater trackability,deliverability,conformability,flexibility and radio-opacity.However,these thin strut stents have a downside of poor longitudinal axial strength,and therefore get easily deformed/ compressed at their end with a slight trauma during exchange of various catheters.We hereby report two cases of "longitudinal stent compression(LSC)" of everolimus-eluting stent,which happened during percutaneous coronary intervention of right coronary artery.Both the cases were successfully managed with non-compliant balloon dilatation.Various reasons for LSC and its management are discussed in the article.

Adjacent Level Vertebral Fractures in Patients Operated with Percutaneous Vertebroplasty

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that involves filling of a fractured vertebral body with bone cement to relieve pain and to restore the vertebral height. It is a safe and effective treatment and is widely used for treating Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture. Despite of its beneficial advantages over primary conservative managements, adjacent level vertebral compression fracture remains the challenge for surgeons. Adjacent level vertebral compression fracture following percutaneous vertebroplasty using PMMA cement has been reported as a complication. Numerous risk factors have been reported for the occurrence of new adjacent VCFs after PVP. The multiple level osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and the increasing age of the patients are directly proportional to the risk of developing new symptomatic adjacent vertebral compression fracture after PVP. Moreover, low BMD and cement leakage are other factors that directly affect the incidence of new symptomatic adjacent vertebral fractures. The aim of this review is to evaluate the adjacent level vertebral compression fracture following percutaneous vertebroplasty on the basis of radiographs, Kaplan-Meier Estimation index and also the factors that lead to adjacent level vertebral compression fractures.

Total spinal anesthesia caused by lidocaine during unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty performed under local anesthesia:A case report

BACKGROUND Intradural anesthesia caused by anesthetic drug leakage during percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)has rarely been reported.We here report a 71-year-old woman who suffered this rare and life-threatening complication during PVP.CASE SUMMARY A 71-year-old woman,who suffered from 2 wk of severe back pain with a visual analog score of 8,came to our outpatient clinic.She was later diagnosed with a newly compressed L1 fracture and was then admitted in our department.PVP was initially attempted again under local anesthesia.However,serendipitous intradural anesthesia leading to total spinal anesthesia happened.Fortunately,after successful resuscitation of the patient,PVP was safely and smoothly performed.Great pain relief was achieved postoperatively,and she was safely discharged on postoperative day 4.The patient recovered normally at 3-mo follow-up.CONCLUSION Total spinal anesthesia secondary to PVP by anesthetic drug leakage rarely occurs.In cases of inadvertent wrong puncture leading to drug leakage when performing it under local anesthesia,surgeons should be highly vigilant during the whole procedure.Electrocardiogram monitoring,oxygen inhalation,intravenous cannula set prior to surgery,regular checking of motor activity and a meticulous imaging monitoring with slower pushing of anesthetic drugs,etc.should be highly recommended.

Traditional Chinese medicine manipulative reduction combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty for treating type Ⅲ Kummell's disease: A case report

BACKGROUND A patient with type Ⅲ Kummell’s disease had a ruptured posterior cortex of the fractured vertebral body, which caused spinal cord compression. An open surgery was considered the best choice of operation. However, the patient and her family refused open surgery and instead demanded a minimally invasive surgical treatment such as percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP). After preoperative discussion, we finally adopted the novel therapy of traditional Chinese medicine manipulative reduction(TCMMR) combined with PVP.CASE SUMMARY A patient with type Ⅲ Kummell’s disease exhibiting bone block-induced spinal cord compression was admitted to our hospital. She suffered from a variety of medical disorders but refused open surgery, and instead asked for PVP surgery. TCMMR, in parallel with PVP, was used to restore the height of the compressed vertebral body and reduce the symptoms of spinal cord compression by the bone block in order to strengthen the vertebral body and prevent further collapse. The surgery was very successful. The height of the compressed vertebra was restored, and the symptom of spinal cord compression by bone block was reduced successfully via TCMMR. The fractured vertebra was solidified by the PVP. The pain visual analog score declined from preoperative 7 scores to postoperative 2 scores, and the Frankel spinal cord scale increased from preoperative D degree to postoperative E degree.CONCLUSION The new method has advantages in treating patients with type Ⅲ Kummell’s disease who cannot be treated with open surgery.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty: technical considerations

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is a relative new interventional technique, which is widely used in treatment of vertebral collapse caused by vertebral neoplasms and osteoporotic compression fractures. The general technical considerations of PVP techniques are discussed based on authors’ experience obtained over 400 patients in the past years in this article, including preparation of PMMA, instrument of PVP, guidance and puncture approaches, and technique of the procedure, etc. The conclusion is that PVP is a safe procedure if the physicians handle it properly.

Occurrence of longitudinal stent compression before stent deployment: Two case studies

Several recent reports have described the occurrence of longitudinal stent deformation(LSD, defined as the distortion or shortening of a stent along the longitudinal axis), following its successful deployment. However, few reports have described LSD prior to any stent deployment. This previously unrecognized complication is the result of modifications to stent design. It has been noted that the new-generation stent platforms have a reduced number of connectors, which in turn causes a reduction in longitudinal stent strength. To corroborate previous findings by our lab and others(Vijayvergiya et al, 2013), we describe here two cases of LSD prior to stent deployment that occurred due to crushing of the proximal stent edge by the guide catheter while attempting to withdraw the crimped stent. In addition, we discuss the associated risk factors, such as the length of the stent, and specific management strategies, including technical guidelines and use of fluoroscopic guidance for maneuvering the stent during the procedure.

The effect of the application of cold on hematoma, ecchymosis, and pain at the catheter site in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of the application of cold on hematoma,ecchymosis,and pain in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.Methods: It is a quasi-experimental study with a control group.A total of 200 patients (100 in the control group and 100 in the experimental group) were included in the research.In the experimental group,a cold pack was applied to the bottom of the sandbag for the first 15 min after withdrawing the femoral arterial catheter.Both groups were assessed and followed up at the first 15th minute and 4th,48th and 72 nd h.Results: After the femoral arterial catheter was withdrawn,ecchymosis and hematoma were smaller and pain was less in the experimental group at the catheter entry site compared to the control group,and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01).Conclusion: It was determined that the application of cold reduced the formation of hematomas,ecchymoses and pain in patients after the withdrawal of the femoral arterial catheter.

Percutaneous microballoon compression for trigeminal neuralgia

Background Percutaneous microballoon compression （PMC） for trigeminal neuralgia is an important therapeutic method. The aim of this study was to review the effects of PMC for trigeminal neuralgia in 276 patients. Methods From December 2000 to May 2003, 276 patients with trigeminal neuralgia were treated with PMC. The course of the disease ranged from 3 months to 38 years. Under the guidance of C-arm X-ray, 14# needle was placed into the foramen ovale using the classical Hakanson＇s technique. Fogarty balloon catheter was navigated into the Meckel＇s cave tenderly. A small amount of Omnipaque was slowly injected to inflate the balloon and compress the trigeminal ganglion for 3 to10 minutes. Results A total of 290 PMC were performed on the 276 patients. Among them, 252 had immediate relief from pain. The patients were followed up for a mean of 18.7 months （range, 4 to 32）, 14 of them had a recurrence. Of the 14 patients, 12 were re-operated with PMC, and the pain was all controlled successfully. Conclusions PMC is an effective and technically simple method for trigeminal neuralgia. For older patients with trigeminal neuralgia, it may be the first choice.

Percutaneous balloon compression for primary trigeminal neuralgia in patients older than 80 years

Background: It has been demonstrated that the incidence of trigeminal neuralgia in elderly patients is higher and thus, neurosurgeons often encounter elderly patients with this disorder.However, for those with poor basic condition, the optimal surgical treatment remains controversial.In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) for primary trigeminal neuralgia in elderly patients older than 80 years.Methods: From September 2009 to March 2013, a total of 68 patients older than 80 years underwent PBC, and a retrospective study of the clinical data of these patients was performed.Results: After PBC, pain relief was immediate in 66 (97.0 ％) patients, 1 (1.5 ％) patient had no pain relief, and 1 (1.5 ％) patient had some pain that could be controlled with medication.With a mean length of follow-up of 40.1 months, ranging from 24 to 66 months after surgery, 55 (80.9 ％) patients were still pain free.Of the 11 patients with recurrence, 9 cases had mild recurrence and 2 cases suffered severe recurrence.The mean time to recurrence was 18.9 months (1-64 months).Postoperative morbidity included common side effects such as facial numbness in 66 (97.1％) patients, masseter muscle weakness in 19 (27.9 ％) patients, paresthesia in 7 (10.3 ％) patients, and diplopia secondary to abducens nerve weakness in 1 (1.5 ％) patient.No corneal anesthesia, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or other serious surgical complications occurred in this study.Conclusions: In this study, the authors reviewed data on a cohort of patient older than 80 years.The PBC procedure has advantages in that it is minimally invasive, safe, effective, and could be performed under general anesthesia.This makes it an optimized choice for elderly patients.

改良单侧经皮椎体后凸成形术结合对侧经皮椎体成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折的效果

目的探讨改良单侧经皮椎体后凸成形术(PKP)结合对侧经皮椎体成形术(PVP)治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折(OVCF)的效果。方法76例OVCF患者随机分为两组,对照组采用双侧PKP治疗,观察组采用改良单侧PKP结合对侧PVP治疗,比较两组的治疗效果。结果观察组的手术时间短于对照组,骨水泥注入量少于对照组,骨水泥渗漏发生率低于对照组(P<0.05)。术后3 d、6个月,两组的脊柱后凸畸形Cobb角、伤椎体前缘高度均优于术前(P<0.05),但组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论改良单侧PKP结合对侧PVP治疗OVCF的手术用时短,骨水泥用量少,术后骨水泥渗漏发生率低。