8 randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis for the purpose of comparing pain relief, spinal function, and quality of life in percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) in comparison to conventional treatment for painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Pain scores, spinal functional outcomes, and quality of life were all significantly in favor of the percutaneous vertebral augmentation groups up to 1 year post-operatively in comparison to conventional treatment. Subgroup analysis indicated that percutaneous vertebral augmentation in fractures less than 3 months old would cause greater pain relief.