Minimally invasive spinal fixation in an aging population with osteoporosis: clinical and radiological outcomes and safety of expandable screws versus fenestrated screws augmented with polymethylmethacrylate

Abstract

Expandable pedicle screws and polymethylmethacrylate augmentation of fenestrated screws are both safe and effective techniques to increase the pullout strength of screws placed in osteoporotic spine. In this series, clinical and radiological outcomes were equivalent between the 2 groups. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report comparing the cement augmentation technique versus expandable screws in the treatment of aging patients with osteoporosis.