When osteoporosis or an injury causes the bones in your spine to collapse, these procedures act as an internal cast. By injecting a special medical-grade cement into the broken bone, doctors can quickly stabilize the fracture and relieve severe back pain.
Common Indications for Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty
Your doctor may recommend these procedures if you have:
- A painful spinal compression fracture caused by osteoporosis.
- A fractured vertebra due to a spinal tumor or cancer.
- Severe back pain from a fracture that has not improved with bed rest or pain medication.
What is the difference between the two?
Both procedures aim to fix the broken bone using cement, but they do it slightly differently:
- Vertebroplasty: The doctor injects the medical cement directly into the collapsed bone to lock it in place.
- Kyphoplasty: Before injecting the cement, the doctor inserts a tiny balloon into the bone and inflates it. This creates a small space and helps restore some of the bone's original height before the cement is added to keep it strong.
What happens during the procedure?
You will lie flat on your stomach on an imaging table. The doctor will use continuous X-ray pictures to safely guide a hollow needle through your back and into the fractured vertebra. You will receive numbing medicine and relaxing IV sedation so you stay comfortable. The cement is then carefully injected, and it hardens in about 10 to 15 minutes.
Will it be painful?
You will feel a pinch and some stinging when the numbing medicine is applied. As the needle is pushed into the bone, you will feel deep, firm pressure. You will not feel the cement hardening. The best part about this treatment is the result: the majority of patients experience significant, lasting pain relief within just a few hours of the procedure.
Do I need to prepare?
Yes, you will likely be asked to fast for several hours before your appointment. You must also tell your doctor if you are taking any blood thinners, as you may need to stop them a few days prior.
Conclusion
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty are incredibly effective ways to treat the severe pain of a collapsed vertebra. By stabilizing the broken bone from the inside, these quick procedures allow patients to regain their mobility and return to an active life without the need for major spine surgery.