Vertebroplasty Versus Non-operative Treatment For Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures:a Meta-analysis

Objective:To systematically assess the efficacy of vertebroplasty versus non-operative in treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.Methods:Based on the principles and methods of Cochrane systematic reviews, the Cochrane Library, Cochrane Controlled Trails Register(CCTR), PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science, Chinese Bio-medicine Database, China Journal Full-text Database, VIP database were searched from their establishment to November2011in whatever language. Related journals were handsearched as well. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of vertebroplasty versus non-operative in treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were included. Data were extracted and their quality was evaluated. The Cochrane Collaboration’s software RevMan5.0was used for meta-analysis.Results:Seven RCTs totaling614patients were included. Results of vertebroplasty versus non-operative in treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures showed, compared with conservative treatment, vertebroplasty in pain relief was more obvious at1,4,12,24,48weeks follow-up. However, there were no significant differences in incidence of new fracture between the two groups. In addition, there was no significant advantage for the vertebroplasty over the placebo in pain relief, the improvement of functional activities of waist, and quality of life at4weeks follow-up.Conclusions:Compared with conservative treatment, vertebroplasty in pain relief has certain advantages. But it needs more high-quality articles to assess the long-term effect of different courses of treatments. The above conclusions still need more high-quality randomized controlled trails to be verified owing to the limitations of the number and quality of systematic review included studies.