What is Vertebroplasty? Overview, Benefits, and⁢ Expected Results

Vertebroplasty⁢ is a minimally invasive procedure that⁢ is used to treat vertebral‌ compression fractures. ‍It involves injecting ‌a special⁣ material into the fractured vertebra in order ‍to stabilize it and provide relief from​ pain. ‌In addition to reducing pain ⁤and restoring normal activity for patients, vertebroplasty has been⁤ shown to ⁢provide a number ‍of other benefits, including improved quality of life, improved spine ​alignment, and⁤ improved function of the spine.

What is Vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty is a type of minimally invasive surgery that is used to treat vertebral compression fractures. The procedure involves the injection of a special material ‌into a fractured vertebra in order to stabilize it and provide relief from pain. The material is injected directly into the fractured area of the spine. The material then‍ hardens⁢ and forms an ⁣internal cast that supports the vertebra and secures the⁢ spine in its correct position.



Vertebroplasty ⁢is ⁣typically recommended for vertebral ‌compression ‌fractures in the lumbar (lower⁤ back) region,⁣ but may also be used to treat fractures in the cervical (neck) and thoracic (upper back) regions of ⁤the spine.

Benefits of Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty offers a number of potential ​benefits⁣ for patients suffering from vertebral ‍compression fractures. The primary benefit of the procedure is that it provides significant relief from pain. Patients ​who have undergone vertebroplasty have ‌typically⁤ reported a decrease in pain within 24-48 hours of the procedure.



In addition to pain relief, vertebroplasty can also provide a number of additional benefits. For ​example, ​the procedure can help to restore normal activity for patients who have been unable to participate in activities they previously enjoyed. Vertebroplasty⁤ can also help to improve the alignment of the spine and‍ improve overall function of the spine.



Finally, vertebroplasty ⁢can improve overall quality of life for patients who have previously been unable to participate in activities ⁣due to the pain associated with vertebral compression fractures. The relief from ‌pain that the procedure provides can give patients the opportunity to enjoy ‍activities they previously could not, and can lead to an overall improvement in quality of life.

Expected Results of Vertebroplasty

The⁤ expected ⁢results of vertebroplasty will vary​ depending on the individual patient and the type ​of fracture that has been treated. Generally speaking, most patients experience ⁢significant pain relief within 24 to 48 hours ‌of ⁣the procedure. ​In some cases, patients may experience a complete elimination of pain.



In terms ⁢of improvement in function​ and alignment of the spine, most patients will experience some degree of⁤ improvement within six weeks of the procedure. The degree of improvement will depend on‍ the type ⁢and severity ⁢of the fracture, and⁤ may take longer for those with​ more severe ⁣fractures.



Finally, most patients who undergo vertebroplasty experience ⁤an overall‍ improvement in quality of⁣ life due to the pain relief and the⁣ improved function of the spine that the procedure provides. It is important ⁣to keep ⁣in mind, however, that as with any medical ⁤procedure, the⁢ individual results may vary.⁢

Risks and Complications of Vertebroplasty

As with any medical procedure, ​vertebroplasty carries a risk of complications and ⁤side effects. In general, the risks associated ​with the procedure are low and most patients ‍are able to return home the same day of the procedure. The⁢ most ⁢common risks and‍ complications include ​infection, bleeding, nerve​ injury, and worsening of pain.



In very rare cases, patients may experience a fracture of the vertebral body during the procedure due to the insertion‌ of​ the injection needle or due‍ to the hardened material collapsing the vertebral body.



In order to reduce the risk of complications, it is important for patients to ‍follow the pre-operative instructions‌ provided by their doctor and to attend follow-up appointments to ensure that the procedure ⁣is progressing as expected.

Conclusion

Vertebroplasty is⁣ a minimally invasive procedure that can provide‍ significant relief from pain and ⁢improved function for patients suffering from vertebral compression fractures. The ​procedure involves the injection⁣ of‍ a special material into a fractured vertebra in order to stabilize it⁣ and provide relief from pain. Vertebroplasty has been shown to provide relief from‍ pain, improved spine alignment, improved​ function of the spine, and improved quality of life for‌ patients ​who undergo the ⁤procedure. It is important to keep in mind, however, that as with any medical procedure, individual results may vary and risks and complications may be present.

Definition and Overview

Vertebroplasty, which is a common treatment for osteoporosis, is a nonsurgical outpatient procedure that involves injecting a special mixture of cement into a fractured part of a vertebral column (spine or backbone) to fuse fragments, reduce pain, and stabilise and strengthen broken bones.

The vertebral column refers to the stack of bones that encapsulate the spinal cord, which provides body structure and allows a person to be flexible and mobile. Due to certain diseases or injuries, the bones in the column can be fractured. When this happens, broken fragments can slide out, rub against each other, or the bones may compress, hurting the nerves and making the person more susceptible or perceptive to pain. The patient may also become less mobile and flexible.

In vertebroplasty, the orthopedic doctor uses an image-guidance technique like a contrast dye to locate the fractured part of the spine and inject the cement mixture. In certain cases, a procedure called khypoplasty is also performed, wherein a balloon is placed into the problem area to create the space in which the mixture can be injected.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

Vertebroplasty is often performed on patients who suffer from osteoporosis, a degenerative bone-related disease that causes the bones to become brittle until they become weak and prone to fracture. Osteoporosis is often linked to old age, vitamin D and calcium deficiency, and menopause.

The procedure is also recommended for people who have bone compression fractures associated with injury including a previous trauma that resulted in a bone fracture, preexisting conditions like cancer or tumour on the spine, previous fracture to the vertebra, serious infections, or abnormalities of the bone like Paget’s disease.

Also, vertebroplasty is intended to those who do not respond quickly or positively to other less invasive treatments including bed rest, medication, and massage therapies.

The quick and simple procedure does not treat any underlying condition that is causing the compression fracture such as osteoporosis and thus, doesn’t prevent recurrences. However, the patient may regain as much as 75% of his mobility and improve his quality of life by reducing or eliminating pain.

How Does the Procedure Work?

The doctor starts by performing a thorough review of the patient’s medical history and physical exam to ensure that the patient is fit to go through the procedure. These include complete imaging tests like MRI and x-ray“>X-ray as well as a review of medications and supplements being taken to ensure that they will not cause an adverse reaction to the body once the mixture is introduced.

During the procedure, the patient lies on the operating table in an X-ray room with his face down (prone position) so his back is fully exposed. The doctor then uses a real-time X-ray guidance, usually with the help of a contrast dye, to determine the exact location of the compression fracture.

The targeted area is then applied with an anaesthetic before a trochar or trocar, a surgical instrument with a cavity from which a fluid-like cement mixture is stored and then drained, is gently inserted. In some cases, the surgeon adds a balloon first to define the gap before the injection is made. Depending on how many bones are affected, the desired result, and the general condition of the bone fracture, more than one injection is necessary to correct the problem.

The patient then remains lying face down for at least an hour to allow the cement mixture to harden and a few more hours to rest from the procedure. The doctor may suggest wearing a back brace within the next 24 hours for support.

Possible Risks and Complications

Pain and discomfort are the common complications of vertebroplasty and these can persist within two or three days following the procedure. They may be treated with pain relievers and should subside as the days go by. Otherwise, the patient will have to make a follow-up with his doctor to check if any bone compression fractures were missed. Although rare, the patient may also experience blood loss, irritation of the nerves, infection, cement leak, and even more fractures.

References

• Anselmetti GC, Muto M, Guglielmi G, et al. Percutaneous vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. Radiol Clin North Am. 2010;48(3):641-9. PMID: 20609898

• Esses SI, McGuire R, Jenkins J, et al. The treatment of symptomatic osteoporotic spinal compression fractures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011;19(3):176-82. PMID: 21368099

• Williams KD. Fractures, dislocations, and fracture-dislocations of the spine. In: Canale ST, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2013:chap 38.

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