Polyetheretherketone Polymer Transpedicular Vertebral System to Treat Vertebral Compression Fracture: A Multicentre Pilot Study of Feasibility and Safety

Abstract

Objectives: To prospectively evaluate the feasibility and safety of a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer transpedicular vertebral system to treat vertebral compression fracture (VCF). Methods: Nine consecutive patients (4 men and 5 women; median age 59 [interquartile range: 58-64 years]) were included. The procedure duration, length of hospital stay, and complications were reported. Visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) for pain and disability were assessed before and at 2, 6, and 12-month after the procedure. Results: The procedure was technically feasible in all patients. The median procedural time was 64 minutes [45-94]. Only minor adverse events were reported (5 clinically asymptomatic cement leakages) but no severe complications. No post procedural adjacent fracture was reported during follow-up (median: 193 days [147-279]). The median VAS score decreased from 55 mm [50-70] before the procedure to 25 mm [5-30] at 2-month ( P = .0003) and 30 mm [15-40] at 6-month follow-up ( P = .14). The median ODI decreased from 23% [19-26] before the procedure to 12% [10-14] at 2-month ( P = .03) and 12% [9-20] at 6-month follow-up ( P = .47). Conclusions: Percutaneous transpedicular fixation of VCF by PEEK implants appears feasible and safe.