Affiliations: Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Robert Pflugmacher, Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str.25, 53105 Bonn, Germany. Tel.: +49 0151 58 233 263; Fax: +49 0228 287 14175; E-mail: robert.pflugmacher@ukb.uni-bonn.de.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vertebral compression fractures (VCF) change the natural spinal alignment and inevitably lead to a decreased quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in pulmonary function after VCF were treated by radiofrequency kyphoplasty (RF-TVA). METHODS: Twenty-five patients were treated with RF-TVA and analyzed in 3 subgroups taking into account the spinal location of the VCF. Pain as measured by visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry-Disability-Index (ODI), vertebral height, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were assessed before, directly after and 30 days after RF-TVA. RESULTS: The mean vertebral height was improved in all subgroups, with a minor reduction from one to 30 days postoperatively. The mean VAS and ODI significantly decreased in the main and upper diaphragm groups from baseline to the follow-up after 30 days. Patients treated below the main diaphragm region showed a significant improvement of ODI and a clear trend to significant improvements of VAS. PEF and FEV1 were significantly improved in the main diaphragm group. FEV1 also increased significantly in the upper diaphragm group with a clear trend to significance in the lower diaphragm group. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that RF-TVA may improve pulmonary function especially in cases where fractures are located in the main spinal region of the diaphragm.
