Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty
What happens when the spinal column cannot provide the support our body needs? Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are procedures that can help strengthen the vertebrae and stabilize your spine.
What is Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty?
Your spine consists of 33 vertebrae, each connected to the other by facet joints and cushioned with intervertebral discs to ease movement. When damage occurs to any part of the spine, the space between the discs can shrink. This causes painful compression of the many nerves that run through the spine.
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are two innovative, minimally-invasive procedures that can strengthen the vertebrae of your spine. These procedures prevent further damage and increase the space between vertebrae.
The two procedures are similar. Vertebroplasty uses bone cement injected between vertebrae to prevent further spinal compression. Kyphoplasty uses a small balloon that is inflated to maintain vertebral spaces.
For many patients who have not found relief from conservative treatments, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty may help.
Who Could Benefit from Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty?
Both procedures can reduce pain and increase the height of the vertebrae. Vertebroplasty is also effective at maintaining the proper angle of the spine by keeping the vertebrae properly aligned. Both procedures have been shown to decrease pain and improve vertebral alignment. Patients receiving these procedures not only experience long-term relief, but many also have less pain and more mobility even on the day of the procedure. Some studies have shown that there is a small advantage to kyphoplasty over vertebroplasty when it comes to height restoration, so talk to your doctor if that is a treatment goal.
The syndromes most commonly requiring vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty include:
- Osteoporosis
- Bone cancer metastasis
- Previous trauma or injury
In each of these conditions, the vertebrae can weaken, causing vertebral body fractures.
Patients with compression fractures may also experience kyphosis. Kyphosis, also referred to as a humpback, occurs when the vertebrae collapse. This can be very debilitating and embarrassing for the person who experiences it.
What Can I Expect from this Procedure?
This procedure is performed at an outpatient surgery center. You will first meet with a nurse in the pre-operative area. They will review your medical history, including all current medications and allergies. If you choose to receive light sedation for the procedure, an IV will be started. You will then be taken into the procedure room and positioned on the procedure table. A needle is then inserted into the fractured vertebra. X-ray guidance is used to ensure accurate placement. When the needle is in the correct position, a balloon is inserted and inflated in the vertebra. This balloon will create space in the vertebra, thus helping the bone regain its normal shape. Following this, a specially formulated bone cement is injected, creating an internal cast that stabilizes the bone. The needle is then removed, and the procedure site is covered with a Band-Aid. The entire procedure takes approximately 45 minutes.
When Can I Begin to Feel Pain Relief & How Long Will it Last?
Most patients begin to feel pain relief within 24 to 48 hours of their procedure and report an increased ability to perform daily activities shortly thereafter.
What is the Anticipated Recovery Time of this Procedure?
Recovery from this procedure is typically brief. After the procedure, you will lie flat on your back for a short period of time while the bone cement hardens. You will then be discharged home. You may experience some mild discomfort and soreness at the procedure site for a few days following the procedure.
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