Vertebral Augmentation: Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty
Minimally Invasive Treatments for Compression Fractures
What Is Vertebral Augmentation?
Vertebral augmentation refers to a category of surgical treatments designed to stabilize a compression fracture and alleviate the patient’s pain from the injury. By using minimally invasive procedures, vertebral augmentation can restore spinal function and improve quality of life for individuals with compression fractures. The most common forms of vertebral augmentation are Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty.
Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat compression fractures in the spine. During the procedure, a special type of medical cement is injected into the damaged vertebrae to stabilize the bone and relieve pain. This treatment option is ideal for patients with osteoporosis, cancerous tumors, or other conditions that weaken the spine and increase the risk of fractures. Vertebroplasty is a safe and effective way to quickly reduce pain and restore mobility, allowing patients to resume their normal activities sooner.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is another procedure, similar to vertebroplasty, that is used to treat spinal compression fractures. Your doctor may recommend this procedure if your spinal fracture was caused by a trauma or you are suffering height loss due to the injury. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the injured area and a special balloon is inserted into the damaged vertebrae. The balloon is inflated to create space in the vertebrae, and then bone cement is injected to stabilize it and restore its height.
How Does The Procedure Work?
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are generally performed as an outpatient-procedure. They are also usually performed under local anesthesia, meaning that patients will be able to go home the same day after the procedure. During the procedure, you will lie down on your stomach, and an interventional radiologist (IR) will use X-ray imaging to insert a needle into your spine and guide into the proper area.
Once the needle is in place for the vertebroplasty procedure, bone cement is then injected into the vertebrae. For the kyphoplasty procedure, an inflatable balloon is first inserted into the vertebrae which then creates a space for the bone cement to fill up.
Recovery Process
After the vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedure, most patients will have their spinal pain relieved within the first two days, but some may have pain relief immediately. You will be able to return to your regular activities, but it is recommended to not endure any strenuous activities for at least six weeks in order for the spine to recover from the procedure.
Benefits of Vertebral Augmentation
Minimally Invasive: Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures that can be performed under local anesthesia, and patients can be sent home soon after the procedures are over.
Fast Recovery: Most patients will have pain relief within 2 days and can return to their daily usual activities, as long it is not anything strenuous.
High Success Rate: Overall success rate is around 85% - 90% with patients experiencing complete or near complete pain relief.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with vertebral augmentation.
Vertebroplasty
Some possible complications of vertebroplasty include:
Infection
Bleeding
Nerve damage
Cement leakage
Kyphoplasty
Potential complications of kyphoplasty are similar to those of vertebroplasty but may also include:
Balloon rupture during inflation
Damage to surrounding tissues due to the balloon inflation
Vertebral Augmentation at Indiana Vascular
Vertebral augmentation procedures, including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, offer minimally invasive treatment options for patients suffering from compression fractures. These procedures can provide significant pain relief, improved mobility, and, in the case of kyphoplasty, restored vertebral height and spinal deformity correction. The decision to pursue vertebral augmentation or an alternative treatment should be made in consultation with your doctor. Factors to consider include the patient's overall health, the severity of the fracture, and the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option.
At Indiana Vascular, we offer a facility filled with state-of-the-art equipment and a staff of experienced doctors that specialize in vertebral augmentation. We will work with you in creating a treatment plan tailored to your individualized needs, and will walk with you every step of the way to ensure a favorable outcome and swift recovery.
Do not allow compression fractures to negatively impact your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with us today to receive a consultation and gain insight into the condition, as well as discover how we can enhance your overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Vertebroplasty involves the injection of bone cement directly into the fractured vertebra, while kyphoplasty involves inflating a balloon within the vertebra to create a cavity before injecting the cement. Kyphoplasty can help restore vertebral height and correct spinal deformities, while vertebroplasty primarily focuses on stabilizing the fracture and providing pain relief.
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Recovery from both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty is typically quick, with most patients returning to their normal activities within a few days to a week. Pain relief is often immediate, and patients usually experience significant improvement in their mobility.
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Potential risks and complications of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, cement leakage, and allergic reactions to the bone cement. Kyphoplasty may also carry additional risks, such as balloon rupture during inflation or damage to surrounding tissues due to the balloon inflation.
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Yes, alternative treatments for compression fractures may include pain management, physical therapy, bracing, or more invasive surgical procedures. The appropriate treatment option depends on the patient's overall health, the severity of the fracture, and the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option.