BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the feasibility and efficacy of bone cement-augmented short-segmental pedicle screw fixation in treating Kümmell disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: From June 2012 to June 2015, 18 patients with Kümmell disease with spinal canal stenosis were enrolled in this study. Each patient was treated with bone cement-augmented short-segment fixation and posterolateral bone grafting, and posterior decompression was performed when needed. All patients were followed up for 12–36 months. We retrospectively reviewed outcomes, including the Oswestry disability index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) score, anterior and posterior heights of fractured vertebrae, kyphotic Cobb angle, and neurological function by Frankel classification.

RESULTS: The VAS grades, ODI scores, anterior heights of affected vertebrae, and kyphotic Cobb angles showed statistically significant differences between pre- and postoperative and between preoperative and final follow-up values (P<0.05), whereas the differences between postoperative and final follow-up values were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The differences between posterior vertebral heights at each time point were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Improved neurological function was observed in 12 cases at final follow-up. Three cases had complications, including asymptomatic cement leakage in 2 patients and delayed wound infection in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS: Bone cement-augmented short-segment pedicle screw fixation is safe and effective for treating Kümmell disease, and can achieve satisfactory correction of kyphosis and vertebral height, with pain relief and improvement in neurological function, with few complications.

Keywords: Bone Cements, Bone Screws, Osteoporotic Fractures, Spine