Objective:

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the appropriateness and efficacy of vertebroplasty application in patients who developed osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) during their chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment.

Patients and Methods:

Nine patients who underwent vertebroplasty between 2003 and 2013 due to vertebral compression fractures developed during their COPD treatment, received pulmonary function tests (PFT) pre- and postoperatively, and had a minimum follow-up period of 6 months were included in the study. Patients’ VAS scores, respiratory parameters, vital capacity percentages (VC %), forced vital capacity percentages (FVC %) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 %) were measured.

Results:

Patients presented to our clinic with an increase in shortness of breath, and waist and back pain. The average time between the onset of symptoms and surgery was 31.3 days. Patients’ preoperative mean VAS score was 9 whereas it was noted 2 on the postoperative first day, 1.9 at the 1st month and 1.6 at the 3rd month follow-ups. A significant difference was detected between the preoperative and postoperative VAS scores (p<0.01). However, no significant difference was found between the VAS scores measured at follow-up visits. The average time between the surgery and PFT was 54 days. Patients’ FVC developed from 58 to 64% (p<0.05), predicted FEV1 from 59 to 62% (p<0.05), and the (FVC/pred. FVC) ratio from 101.7 to 107.4% (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Vertebroplasty is an effective method in treatment of COPD patients with osteoporotic compression fractures. One should not insist to wait for the results of the three-month conservative treatment period before considering a surgical intervention for patients who developed COPD and OVCF.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;,compression fracture;,vertebroplasty.