Turkish Neurosurgery, cilt.34, sa.2, ss.250-2552, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
AIM: To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of unilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) surgeries performed using 3D printing technology in patients with osteoporotic compression fractures to conventional unilateral PKP surgeries. MATERIAL and METHODS: Patients with acute painful single-level osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) who need surgical treatment were divided into two groups: group A (patients who had 3D template-guided PKP) and group B (patients who conventional PKP). To compare the two surgical procedures, Total Absorbed Radiation Dose (TARD), pre- and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and Total Surgery Time (TST) were calculated and compared between groups in both surgical groups. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients with single-level OVCF who were experiencing acute pain were successfully operated on, with 22 patients in each group. TARD (2.6 ± 0.4 mGy vs. 6.1 ± 1.9 mGy, p<0.05) and TST (12.4 ± 2.6 min vs. 20.2 ± 3.2 min, p<0.05) differed significantly different between groups A and B. There was no statistically significant difference between the patient groups in preoperative and postoperative VAS values (p>0.05). Cement leakage was lower in group A (3/22, 13.6%) than in group B (6/22, 27.3%) (p>0.05). There were no neurological complications or infections in either group. CONCLUSION: When compared to the conventional procedure, the unilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty method was supported by a 3D printing guide template. By reducing operative time and radiation exposure, tt has resulted in a more effective surgical procedure for patients and a safer surgical procedure for surgeons and anaesthesiologists.