Unilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty in Kümmell’s disease: a clinical efficacy evaluation

Kümmell’s disease is the delayed post-traumatic vertebral body collapse that can cause significant pain and long-term complications, including spinal deformities and paralysis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the unilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for the treatment of Kümmell’s disease. For this purpose, a retrospective study of 32 patients (32 vertebral bodies in total) with Kümmell’s disease was conducted. These patients received unilateral PKP technique between March 2018 and June 2023. Pre‑ and post‑operative visual analogue scale (VAS) values, Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, Cobb angle measurements, and anterior vertebral height (AVH) were recorded and assessed. The average follow-up period was 15.69 ± 3.54 months. The average pre‑operative VAS score was 6.59 ± 0.98, which significantly decreased to 2.31 ± 0.90 at 24 h post-operation. The VAS score was consistently measured at 1.84 ± 0.57 ( P < 0.05), until the final follow‑up assessment. The average ODI improved from 67.28 ± 7.12 pre‑operatively to 27.69 ± 4.76 24 h post-op. The ODI was consistently measured at 20.56 ± 2.65 ( P < 0.05), until the last follow‑up assessment. Similarly, the changes in Cobb angle and AVH before and after the operation were statistically significant in radiological evaluation ( P < 0.05). This study demonstrates that the unilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) technique is a safe, effective, and clinically feasible treatment option for Kümmell’s disease. While our findings support its efficacy, further comparative studies are needed to establish potential advantages over bilateral approaches.