Effects of percutaneous vertebroplasty on respiratory parameters in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

Background: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) often occur in patients with osteoporosis. These fractures can also lead to postural changes. Several studies have shown that patients with vertebral compression fractures have a restrictive pattern in their pulmonary function. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is the standard treatment for vertebral compression fractures, with the benefits of pain relief and enhancement of vertebral stability for partially collapsed vertebral bodies. However, the effects of PVP on short-term recovery of respiratory performance have not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the changes in pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), and chest mobility in patients with vertebral compression fractures after PVP. Methods: This research was approved by the clinic committee of the E-DA Hospital Institutional Review Board (EMRP07109N) and registered in the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20211029005). We recruited 32 VCF patients. Four-time points were measured: before and after PVP and 1 and 3 weeks after PVP. We measured pulmonary function and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) by using spirometry. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by using a respiratory pressure meter. The chest expansion test was used to evaluate chest mobility. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess resting and aggravated back pain. Results: Chest expansion and back pain improved at each time point after PVP. MVV showed significant progress at both 1 and 3 weeks after discharge. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and maximal inspiratory muscle strength significantly improved 1 week after discharge. Conclusion: Taking all the data together, PVP not only can resolve severe back pain but can also provide excellent improvements in MVV and chest mobility in patients with vertebral compression fractures.