Parathyroid Hormone Injection Versus Vertebroplasty in the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture in Old Age: A Retrospective Study of 58 Female Patients

Background: While the indications of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in osteoporosis prevention and management have been established, its indications in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures remain unknown. This study aimed to compare the effects of intervention (percutaneous vertebroplasty followed by anti-resorptive agents) and conservative treatment (PTH administration) in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures, as well as to investigate the optimal duration of PTH administration. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using data of patients treated for osteoporotic vertebral fractures between January 2015 and November 2019. Treatment was selected based on the patient’s age, comorbidities, and patient’s preference after explaining the expected advantages and disadvantages of each treatment. Group C was administered PTH injections once weekly, whereas Group I underwent vertebroplasty followed by the administration of anti-resorptive agents. Radiological and clinical parameters were analyzed between two groups.Results: This study enrolled 58 patients (77 vertebrae). Group C included 24 patients (38 vertebrae) with average age of 77.50 ± 7.19 years (range, 65–85 years), average bone mineral density (BMD) of −3.39 ± 0.86 (range, −2.5 to −5.8), average follow-up period of 27.47 ± 7.60 weeks (range, 12–49 weeks). Group I included 34 patients (39 vertebrae) with an average age of 76.20 ± 8.67 years (range, 65–92 years), average BMD of −3.35 ± 0.91 (range, −2.5 to −5.1), average follow-up period of 30.82 ± 10.95 weeks (range, 16–59 weeks). There was no significant difference between the two groups in initial demographic, clinical and radiographic parameters. Group I showed significantly better clinical and radiological outcome during the last follow-up. Regarding side effects in Group C, two cases of dizziness (8.3%), nausea and vomiting (8.3%) were reported. In Group I, cement leakage was found in 26 vertebrae (66.7%), and cement leakage complications were observed in four patients (11.8%). Conclusion: Conservative treatment using PTH injection demonstrated slower pain relief and lesser suppression of vertebral height loss than vertebroplasty. However, PTH injection demonstrated a lower risk of procedure-related complications. The patient’s age, preference, and general condition with respect to the procedure’s risk should be considered when determining treatment options for osteoporotic vertebral fracture in old age.