Objective To investigate the prel iminary effectiveness of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in treating vertebral compressive fractures in patients with osteoporosis. Methods Between February 2008 and June 2010, 31 cases (31vertebrae) of osteoporotic vertebral compressive fractures were treated with PKP. Of 31 cases, 10 were male and 21 were female, aged from 64 to 80 years (mean, 70.7 years). All fractures were caused by mild trauma with an disease duration of 1-13 days. Affected vertebrae included T12 in 8 cases, L1 in 9 cases, L2 in 12 cases, and L4 in 2 cases. The effectiveness was evaluated with visual analogue scale (VAS), the Cobb’s angle, and the anterior vertebral height. Results The operation was completed successfully in all cases, without serious postoperative complication. Cement leakage occurred in 11 cases (35.5%), including 3 cases at the anterior vertebral edge, 4 cases at the lateral vertebra, and 4 cases at the puncture tunnel. All the cases were followed up 6-15 months (mean, 11 months). The mean fracture healing time was 11.5 weeks (range, 8-12 weeks). VAS score was decreased from 8.1 ± 1.2 preoperatively to 2.5 ± 0.6 at 3 months postoperatively and to 2.3 ± 0.8 at last follow-up; the Cobb’s angle was improved from (30.2 ± 5.3)° to (21.3 ± 3.6)° and (23.5 ± 3.8)° respectively; and the anterior vertebral height was increased from (13.98 ± 4.62) mmto (22.03 ± 4.93) mm and (22.56 ± 4.34) mm respectively. There were significant differences in VAS, the Cobb’s angle, and the anterior vertebral height between pre- and post-operation (P lt; 0.05), but there was no significant difference between 3 months postoperatively and last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion PKP is effective for osteoporotic vertebral compressive fractures, which can rel ieve pain effectively, correct kyphosis, and prevent collapse of vertebra.