Pain Treatment | Procedures

kyphoplasty Vertebroplasty are procedures used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures in the spinal column, which are a common result of osteoporosis. Following vertebroplasty, about 75 percent of patients regain lost mobility and become more active.

What is Kyphoplasty Vertebroplasty ? 

kyphoplasty Vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of painful vertebral compression fractures (VCF), which are fractures involving the vertebral bodies that make up the spinal column.

When a vertebral body fractures, the usual rectangular shape of the bone becomes compressed, causing pain. These compression fractures may involve the collapse of one or more vertebrae in the spine and are a common result of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that results in a loss of normal bone density, mass and strength, leading to a condition in which bones become increasingly porous, and vulnerable to breaking easily. Vertebrae may also become weakened by cancer.

For a vertebroplasty, we use image guidance, typically fluoroscopy, to inject a cement mixture into the fractured bone through a hollow needle. During kyphoplasty, a balloon is first inserted into the fractured bone through the hollow needle to create a cavity or space. The cement is injected into the cavity once the balloon is removed.

Vertebroplasty

This minimally-invasive procedure is an injection of bone cement into a vertebra. It stabilizes a compression fracture of the spine. One or more vertebrae may need to be treated.

Preparation 

In preparation for the procedure, you lie face down. You may be given medicine to make you feel relaxed. You may be anesthetized. The physician inserts a needle through the skin of your back. An x-ray device called a “fluoroscope” shows a video image of the needle’s position. This helps the physician guide the needle into the body of your collapsed vertebra.

Injection When the needle is in place, the physician injects the bone cement. The cement fills the fractured spaces within the vertebra. A second injection may be needed to completely fill the bone. During the next hour, the cement will harden. It will strengthen and stabilize your spine.

End of Procedure 

When the procedure is complete, the needle is removed. You may be asked to lie on your back as the cement hardens. Your physician will give you instructions to aid your recovery.