Radiofrequency-Targeted Vertebral Augmentation: Case Report of a Patient with 7 Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures in a Variant of Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Abstract EN

Introduction.

Radiofrequency-targeted vertebral augmentation (RF-TVA) is a recognized treatment for painful compression fractures.

RF-TVA in a patient with multiple compression fractures due to type I osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) has not been previously reported.

Case Presentation.

A 54-year-old patient with type I OI is presented with a segmental thoracic hyperkyphosis and 7 recent vertebral compression fractures.

Because of persistent severe thoracolumbar back pain despite conservative therapy, RF-TVA was indicated.

Nocturnal back pain was almost completely relieved at all postoperative time points evaluated.

However, overall pain relief dropped only slightly from 7 to 5 on the numerical rating scale (NRS) at the 6-week follow-up, and there was only a small decrease in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) from 72% to 63%.

An MRI at the 3-month follow-up revealed hyperintensity at levels T11 and T12, indicating slight recollapsing.

At the 6-month follow-up, the ODI improved to 55%, although overall pain had worsened to 6 on the NRS.

Pain at rest remained at a very low level.

Conclusion.

Despite the remaining lumbago, RF-TVA may be a good option for patients with OI who have multiple fractures.

However, fractures at multiple levels and segmental thoracic hyperkyphosis may increase the risk for recollapsing and ongoing pain.