Kyphoplasty

This minimally-invasive treatment is used to repair spine fractures caused by osteoporosis or cancer. It stabilizes the spine, providing rapid back pain relief and helping prevent further weakening of the spine.

Description

Vertebroplasty is a non-surgical procedure to treat compression fractures that occur in the vertebrae, or bones of the spine. A medical-grade bone cement is injected into the fracture in the bone to strengthen it and stop further compression. Like an internal cast, the cement reduces pain by stabilizing the bone and helping it heal in the correct form. Vertebroplasty is a very similar procedure to Kyphoplasty.

Commonly used to treat compression fractures due to:

• Osteoporosis
• Cancer
• Trauma

What to expect the day of the procedure

When you come in for the procedure, you will have the opportunity to speak with a clinical staff member in order to have any questions answered, and you will sign a consent form. In the procedure room, you will lie on the treatment table, and the area on your body to undergo the treatment will be sterilized. A radiology tech will be present to guide the fluoroscope (x-ray machine) that your doctor will be using to visualize the needle. You will be given a local anesthetic to decrease the pain of the procedure. The needle will be inserted in to your back, and bone cement will be injected directly into the fractured vertebra.
The entire procedure usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes. When it is finished, the needle is removed and the site is covered by a sterile bandage. Following the procedure, you will lie flat on your back in a recovery area while the cement continues to harden. You will be provided with discharge instructions. You will need to have a responsible adult with you to drive you home.

Recovery after the procedure

You may call Louisiana Pain Specialists if you have any concerns during your recovery from the procedure. You can use an ice pack, rest, and pain mediations to manage any pain or soreness due to the procedure. It usually resolves within two to three days. Most people can return to their normal activities within a day after the procedure.

Typical Benefit

While some patients get relief immediately, most patients get pain relief from this procedure within 48 hours. Studies have shown immediate and complete relief for 90 percent of patients, lasting from one month to over ten years.

Links to additional resources

sirweb.org/patients/vertebroplasty-osteoporosis/
nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/

Vertebroplasty

This minimally-invasive procedure repairs a vertebral compression fracture. It helps restore the spine’s natural shape. Some patients experience rapid pain relief after the procedure.