Caleb Brandon Leake BS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Waleed Brinjikji, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Harry Jerome Cloft MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Researcher, Johnson & Johnson

David F. Kallmes MD, Abstract Co-Author: Research support, Terumo Corporation Research support, Covidien AG Research support, Nfocus Consulting Inc Research support, Sequent Medical, Inc Research support, Penumbra, Inc Research support, Benvenue Medical, Inc

Retrospective cohort study to examine demographics and outcomes for patients with vertebral compression fractures treated with or without vertebroplasty using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2004-2008.

Patients were identified from the NIS using primary diagnosis codes for thoracic or lumbar vertebral fractures (ICD-9, 805.2, 805.4) along with various inclusion criteria. The admissions were separated into those treated with vertebroplasty and those treated non-operatively. Demographic data and outcome measures were compared for each treatment type using a variety of statistical tests.

Approximately 10% of the over 27,000 inpatient admissions for vertebral compression fractures were treated with vertebroplasty. Both treatment groups had a similar percentage of patients with no (74.6% vs. 75.9%, p=0.125) or mild (21.2% vs. 20.8%, p=0.603) comorbidites. As compared to patients treated non-operatively, patients treated with vertebroplasty had nearly double the median hospital charges ($26,145 vs. $13,881, p<0.001) but a nearly identical discharge disposition pattern, with just over one half of both groups being discharged to skilled nursing facilities (p=0.087). Patients admitted at teaching hospitals (13.7% vs. 8.8%, p<0.001) and metropolitan hospitals (11.7% vs. 4.7%, p<0.001) were substantially more likely to receive vertebroplasty than patients treated at non-teaching and non-metropolitan hospitals. Mortality and complication rates were similar between groups.

This study of the NIS database showed with nearly twice the initial cost of patients treated non-operatively, treatment with vertebroplasty may only minimally, if at all, expedite the return of independent function as indicated by a number of hospital outcome measures including discharge disposition, complication rate, and mortality.

This study of the NIS database examines demographics and various outcomes that could potentially benefit patients with vertebral compression fractures being treated with or without vertebroplasty.

Leake, C, Brinjikji, W, Cloft, H, Kallmes, D, A National Analysis of Vertebral Compression Fractures Treated With or Without Vertebroplasty.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12035938.html