If you or someone you know suffers from painful vertebral body compression fractures, VIE’s state-of-the-art kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty procedures offer effective, non-surgical treatment options. Our outpatient treatments provide rapid pain relief and improved mobility, helping you return to normal activities as quickly as possible.
What is kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty?
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are similar treatments for vertebral body compression fractures, which are small breaks in the thick mass of bone that make up the front part of your spinal column (the vertebral body).
Causes of vertebral body fractures:
Symptoms of vertebral compression fractures:
Compression fractures are visible on regular X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. An MRI scan is almost always performed before proceeding with kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty.
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are generally reserved for people with painful, progressive back pain caused by osteoporotic or pathological vertebral compression fractures, leading to reduced mobility and function.
To be a candidate, your pain must be related to the vertebral fracture and not due to other issues like disk herniation, arthritis, or stenosis. Imaging tests will confirm the presence of a vertebral fracture.
How do the procedures work?
During kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, you’ll lie on your stomach under mild sedation and local anesthesia while the physician inserts a hollow needle (trocar) through your skin and into the vertebra, guided by fluoroscopy (a type of x-ray) for proper positioning.
In vertebroplasty, cement is inserted into the vertebra through the trocar. In kyphoplasty, an inflatable balloon-like device is inserted and inflated to restore the shape and height of the vertebra before being filled with bone cement.
Benefits of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty
Potential side effects:
Most patients experience pain relief and improved mobility within 48 hours, with some feeling immediate relief, ad a return to normal activities after the procedure, avoiding strenuous activities like heavy lifting for at least six weeks. The bandage remains on for two days and showers instead of baths are recommended. Also, follow any additional instructions from your healthcare provider.
