Vertebroplasty is very similar to kyphoplasty. The procedure is designed to provide spinal stabilization for patients suffering from vertebral fractures. Those fractures can be the result of trauma, injury or bone loss through osteoporosis. The process involves the injection of a special cement used to rebuild the vertebra’s surface and height. For more information about vertebroplasty and other spinal treatments for pain or degenerative discs, contact Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health by calling Call407-303-5452.
What Causes Spinal Fractures?
Vertebroplasty is used to treat spinal fractures. Those fractures can be caused by myriad things, including the following:
- Falling from a height and landing on your feet compresses the spine and can result in fractured vertebras (generally, height is lost on only one side of the vertebra in this type of injury).
- Being involved in an automobile accident can cause spinal fractures as the spine is whipped forward, while the lower spine and pelvis are secured to the seat with a lap belt (this causes loss of height on two sides of the vertebra).
- Traumatic injuries can cause fractures in healthy vertebra – these include sports injuries, but also include blunt force trauma and gunshot wounds.
How Does Vertebroplasty Work?
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are very similar procedures, and both are used to treat compression fractures. Both procedures use cement to treat compression fractures, but kyphoplasty uses a balloon to expand the space between vertebras, whereas vertebroplasty does not.
In this procedure, the surgeon will use medical imaging techniques and a needle. The imaging system is used to guide the surgeon’s needle into the affected area of the spine. Once in place, the surgeon injects a specialized form of acrylic cement. This cement will bond to the vertebra and treat the compression fractures.
Generally, this procedure is not combined with other treatment options, but a full evaluation will need to be made prior to any procedure being performed to ensure that vertebroplasty will benefit the patient’s injuries. In some instances, a discectomy may be necessary instead, or a combination of other spinal surgery procedures will need to be used.
Recovery Time for Vertebroplasty
Recovery time for this procedure is extremely minimal. Most patients are back on their feet and walking within just an hour of the anesthesia wearing off. However, it may take a day or two for the surgeon to determine if the procedure was successful, and you will likely go through additional imaging to assess the success of the treatment as well. Follow-up visits will be scheduled – you will likely have one shortly after the procedure, and then another several weeks later, but this will vary. You will not likely require any pain medication to manage your condition after treatment, but follow your surgeon’s recommendations.
For more information about vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty and other types of spine surgery that can help relieve pain and suffering from compression fractures, scoliosis and degenerative conditions, contact Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health by calling Call407-303-5452 to make an appointment to discuss your specific situation.