BACKGROUND: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are a common and debilitating complication of osteoporosis, causing severe pain and immobility in the elderly population. Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) is a minimally invasive procedure used to stabilize these fractures and provide pain relief, but its efficacy remains a topic of debate.

CASE REPORT: We conducted a retrospective case series, recording data from 54 sets of VCFs followed by PKP in 46 individuals, to evaluate changes in pain levels measured on a subjective Visual Analog Scale. Secondary outcomes included the presence of follow-up procedures and changes in analgesics used, emphasizing a focus on functional outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: The average reduction in pain was 4.3/10 points (P < 0.001), further supported by a significant decline in analgesic strength used (P = 0.014). These findings support the role of PKP in addressing both pain and recovery from acute VCFs.

KEYWORDS: Percutaneous kyphoplasty, analgesic use, interventional pain management, opioid reduction, outpatient procedure, pain, pain management, pain reduction, spinal fractures, vertebral compression fracture