Surgical outcomes of thoracolumbar spinal fixation using cement‑augmented pedicle screws in osteoporotic patients

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of thoracolumbar spinal fixation using cement-augmented pedicle screws in patients with osteoporosis‑related thoracolumbar trauma treated at Viet Tiep Hospital. Subjects and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 21 thoracolumbar spinal injuries patients diagnosed with severe osteoporosis who underwent spinal fusion with cement-augmented pedicle screws at Viet Tiep Hospital from January 2022 to January 2025. Results: Pain significantly reduced: mean VAS score decreased from 7.6 ± 0.7 preoperatively to 1.8 ± 0.6 at 6-month postoperatively. Functional recovery was improved markedly with mean ODI decreasing from 69.9 ± 12.1% preoperatively to 24.6 ± 7.7% at 6-month postoperatively. Radiographic analysis showed a marked reduction in both the segmental kyphosis angle (Cobb angle) and the vertebral body kyphosis angle compared to pre-surgery. The most common complication observed was asymptomatic cement leakage. Conclusion: Cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation is a safe and effective surgical technique for managing thoracolumbar spine fractures in patients with severe osteoporosis, providing satisfactory pain relief, spinal stability, and functional recovery.