Abstract: Obj ective To compare the effects between the unilateral and bilateral percuta-neous kyphoplasty (PKP)therapy in treating patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression frac-tures (OVCF).Methods 68 patients with OVCF treated by PKP were divided into observation group (treated by unilateral PKP,n= 30 )and the control group (treated by bilateral PKP,n=38).Operating time,X-ray exposure time and clinical efficacy were compared.Results All the patients completed operations successfully and no postoperative complications such as nerve root and spinal cord inj ury were observed.The operative time and X-ray exposure time in observation group were significantly lower than the control group (P<0 .05 ).There were significant differences of VAS ,anterior /medium height of vertebrae body and Cobb angle before and after surgery (P <0 .05 ),but there were no significant differences between the two groups (P>0 .05 ).Conclusion The unilateral and bilateral PKP in treatment of OVCF can significantly relieve pain,but the uni-lateral PKP has a shorter operating time and radiation exposure time.