Cost-effectiveness of percutaneous vertebroplasty in osteoporotic vertebral fractures

This study examines the effectiveness and cost of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVT) compared to conservative medical therapy (CMT) for treating osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Patients with refractory pain were offered either PVT or CMT. The study then measured pain levels, mobility, and activities of daily living after both treatments. The results indicated that PVT was initially more effective in reducing pain and improving function, but over 12 months, the differences between the two treatments became less significant.

• 1
  PVT resulted in a significantly greater reduction in pain and improvement in ambulation and activities of daily living at 1 week and 3 months compared to CMT.
• 2
  There were no statistically significant differences in cost-effectiveness between the two groups at 12 months.
• 3
  PVT was significantly more cost-effective than CMT at 1 week with regards to pain, ambulation, and ADL scales.