Vertebroplasty / Kyphoplasty
Minimally invasive options that can effectively treat pain caused by vertebral compression fractures.
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are used to treat compression fractures in the vertebrae. These fractures typically occur as a result of osteoporosis, which causes the weakening of bones.
When vertebral bodies develop fractures, the vertebrae may collapse or compress, causing abnormal balance and pain in the adjacent discs and facet joints. There is the potential for direct nerve or spinal cord compression that would require surgery.
Since this is related to abnormal bone metabolism, an evaluation and treatment with medication is almost always advised to reduce the risk of additional fractures.
How the Treatment is Performed
During this procedure, you’ll lie down on your stomach while a hollow needle (trocar) is inserted into the affected vertebra. This insertion is performed with the assistance of fluoroscopy to precisely guide the trocar to the damaged vertebra.
What is the difference between these procedures?
When the trocar is properly placed, either vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty will be inserted into the vertebra.
Vertebroplasty is direct injection of bone cement, while kyphoplasty uses an inflatable balloon-like device, prior to injection of the cement. When kyphoplasty is used, the balloon is inflated to open up space and attempt to correct deformity in the compressed vertebra that can then be filled with bone cement. The balloon is deflated and removed before the cement is injected.
Vertebroplasty involves injecting bone cement without first inserting the balloon-like device.
Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty allows about 75% of patients to get back to leading full, active lives once they have fully recovered.direct
Pain Conditions Helped by Vertebroplasty / Kyphoplasty
Patients who are candidates for kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty commonly suffer from increasing back pain as a result of vertebral compression fractures. These patients often experience reduced mobility and function due to these fractures.
Patients experiencing pain caused by disc herniation, arthritis, or stenosis are not candidates for this procedure, which is specifically designed to treat vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis in the spine.
Imaging tests like X-rays, bone scans, CT scans, or MRI scans may be used to confirm that your pain is the result of a vertebral fracture.
