Objective  To observe the clinical effect of 3D printing assisted percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) combined with postural reduction in the treatment of patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

  Methods  Totally 78 patients with single segment thoracolumbar osteoporotic fractures were divided into two groups. The 3D printing group (n=40) received 3D printing before operation, and the non-printing group (n=38) received conventional methods. After admission, all patients received PVP treatment after postural reduction. The clinical and imaging indexes were compared between the two groups.

  Results  The operation was successfully completed in both groups. The operation time, perspective times and bone cement leakage rate of the 3D printing group were significantly shorter and lower than those of the non-printing group (P < 0.05). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores at 1 day after operation and the last follow-up in both groups were significantly lower than those before operation, and the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores were significantly higher than those before operation (P < 0.05). The ratios of injured vertebral height at 1 day after operation and the last follow-up in both groups were significantly higher than those before operation (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  3D printing, PVP combined with postural reduction is effective in treatment of patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures, which can reduce intraoperative perspective times, shorten operation time, reduce cement leakage and restore the height of injured vertebrae.