Cement augmented anterior reconstruction with short posterior instrumentation: a less invasive surgical option for Kummell's disease with cord compression.

We report the surgical procedure and clinical outcomes of a cement augmented anterior reconstruction with pedicle screw fixation for osteoporotic vertebral collapse with an intravertebral cleft (Kummell's disease). Ten consecutive patients with cord compression were enrolled in this study. The mean number of fused segments was 3.2. Instrumentation and posterolateral bone grafts were performed for one level above and below the collapsed vertebra with the exception of one patient. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement was then injected into the intravertebral cleft and posterior decompression was performed when needed. The visual analog scale (VAS) pain score and Frankel grade were used to evaluate the clinical results and radiological parameters were also assessed. The mean VAS score before vertebroplasty was 7.5, which was reduced to 3.2 postoperatively, and was 3.7 at the most recent follow-up. The mean follow-up duration was 12.1 months. Seven (83%) of the eight patients with motor deficits showed an improvement in neurological function by at least 1 Frankel grade. The mean decrease in the kyphosis (Cobb) angle was 12.6° and the wedge angle was 12.1° (p<0.05). However, the angle improvement regressed slightly during follow-up. None of the patients showed vertebral collapse, or loss or leakage of PMMA into the canal. One patient developed wound dehiscence. There was no need for revision or evidence of instrument failure. Based on the preliminary results, we advocate the use of short instrumentation in combination with vertebroplasty with PMMA and posterolateral fusion for Kummell's disease in patients who are elderly or medically compromised.