ObjectiveEvaluating the clinical efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for osteoporotic vertebral compressive fracture (OVCF). MethodsPatients with OVCF were retrospectively analyzed from Feb. 2008 to Feb. 2013 in Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital. Patients were divided into the PVP group and the PKP group. The VAS, vertebral kyphosis angle, vertebral height and bone cement leakage of both groups were compared, and the SPSS13.0 software was used for data analysis. ResultsA total of 55 patients were included. Of which, 25 patients were in the PVP group and 30 patients were in the PKP group. All patients were followed up from 5 to 20 months, with an average time of 15.5 months. The VAS scores in both groups were all improved after the operation (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between both groups. The vertebral kyphosis angle in both groups were improved after the operation (P<0.05), and the PKP group was better than the PVP group. Six patients in the PVP group occurred the leakage of bone cement, and 4 patients in the PKP group. Five patients in the PVP groups occurred vertebral fracture again, while 7 patients in the PKP group. ConclusionUsing PVP and PKP for the treatment of OVCF can quickly relieve pain and increase the stability of the vertebral body. PKP can restore vertebral body height better and reduce the incidence of cement leakage.