# Risk factors for subsequent vertebral fracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in Northern China

## TL;DR

This study identifies risk factors for subsequent vertebral fractures after a common treatment for osteoporotic spine fractures in elderly patients in Northern China.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific risk factors for subsequent vertebral fractures after vertebroplasty in elderly patients with osteoporotic fractures.

## Key findings

- Low body mass index was significantly associated with subsequent vertebral fractures.
- Intradiscal cement leakage strongly increased the risk of subsequent fractures.
- Low Hounsfield unit values were independently linked to subsequent vertebral fractures.

## Abstract

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) are commonly treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). However, Subsequent vertebral fracture (SVF) following PVP surgery, as a serious complication, has attracted widespread attention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors for SVF after PVP in elderly patients with OVCF.

This study retrospectively analyzed elderly patients who underwent PVP for single-level OVCF. Patients were divided into the SVF group and the control group. Demographic, surgery-related, and imaging parameters were collected. Independent risk factors were identified through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

A total of 162 elderly patients over 60 years old with single-level OVCF treated by PVP were included in this study, among whom 27 patients developed SVF. Logistic regression analysis revealed that low body mass index (BMI) (OR = 0.608; 95% CI = 0.426–0.867, P = 0.006), intradiscal cement leakage (OR = 10.993; 95% CI = 2.391–50.540, P = 0.002), and low Hounsfield unit (HU) values (OR = 0.958; 95% CI = 0.923–0.995, P = 0.025) were significantly associated with SVF after PVP for the treatment of OVCF and were identified as independent risk factors.

Low BMI, intradiscal cement leakage, and low HU values were independent risk factors for SVF after PVP surgery for the treatment of OVCF.