Impact of the quantity of intradiscal cement leak on the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration
Abstract
Introduction: We aim to assess the impact of the quantity of intradiscal cement leak during kyphoplasty on the rate of progression of degenerative changes in the affected disc. Methods: Of 316 kyphoplasty procedures, we identified 32 episodes of intradiscal cement leak in 26 patients.
The quantity of cement leaked was graded from I to IV. Disc degenerative changes were assessed at presentation and follow-up using radiographical scoring and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) grading systems.
Data for low-grade leaks (grade I) were compared with the medium- and high-grade leaks (grades II-IV) using a chi-squared test. Results: Median follow-up radiographic and MRI assessments were made at 18 and 21 months, respectively.
Medium- and high-grade leaks were associated with a significantly higher radiographic disc degeneration scores compared with low-grade leaks (P = 0.04295) but no difference was found in MRI disc degeneration grades and in adjacent vertebral fracture rates. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the quantity of cement leaking into the disc space significantly influences the rate of progression of disc degeneration.