【Abstract】 Objective To study the effect of percutaneous kyphoplasty PKP (percutaneous) in the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures in elderly patients. Methods 83 patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures from our hospital from January 2014 to January 2015 were divided PKP group and conservative group. Conservative treatment was used in the conservative group, and the PKP group was treated with PKP operation. The vertebral height, Cobb angle, VAS score, ODI index, SF36 quality of life score and functional recovery rate, 1 year followup rate of complications were observed. Results The good functional recovery rate of PKP group was higher than that of conservative group (P < 005). The complications of 1 years of followup was similar in the two groups. There were no serious complications occurred. There was no vertebral compression fracture of adjacent vertebral fracture. At the time of discharge, the vertebral height, Cobb angle, VAS score, ODI index, SF36 quality of life scores of PKP group were better than that of the conservative group. 1 years after operation, the vertebral height, Cobb angle, VAS score, ODI index, SF36 quality of life score of PKP group were better than that in the conservative group (P < 005). Conclusion The treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures using PKP can effectively relieve the pain of patients, promote the recovery of vertebral height and Cobb angle, improve lumbar function and the quality of life.