T4 vertebral compression fracture managed by PKP: A case report with literature review

Abstract

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) is a complication of osteosis, whose main manifestations are percussion pain and limited activity. OVCF at high levels of vertebral body is rare and usually treated conservatively. We reported a 65-year-old male patient suffering OVCF at T4 vertebral body, treated with PKP to relieve his serious percussion pain instantly. CT and MRI delineated acute compression fractures in T4 and T9 vertebrae as well as an old fracture in L1. As cranial CT scanning shows that the subdural hematoma was very little and no shifting of midline, we chose to perform PKP after a week of observation. This case suggested that as long as patients’ symptoms seriously affect their life quality, PKP is worth to perform with especial caution even if OVCF takes place at upper segments of thoracic vertebrae.

Keywords

• Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP)
• Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF)
• T4 vertebral body