Sagittal and frontal plane evaluation of the whole-spine and clinical outcomes after vertebral fractures

Abstract

Although it is known that a change in any level of the spine alters biomechanics, there aren’t many studies to evaluate the spine as a whole both in sagittal and frontal planes. This prospective cohort study evaluates the morphology and mobility of the entire spine in patients with vertebral fractures. The treatment group consisted of 43 patients who underwent percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty or percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty plus fixation. The Control Group consisted of 39 healthy subjects. Spinal mouse was used for the assessment of the curvatures and the mobility of the spine. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by Visual-Analogue Scale and Oswestry Disability Index. The measurements were recorded at 15 days, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Regarding the curvatures and mobility in sagittal plane, a statistically significant increase appeared early at 3 months, for lumbar curve, spinopelvic angulation and overall trunk inclination. In the frontal plane, most of the improvements were recorded after 6 months. Patients with osteoporotic fracture showed statistically significant lower mean value than patients with traumatic fracture. Pain and disability index showed early improvements. This study provides a comprehensive and complete picture of the functionality of the spine in patients treated with percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty.