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Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally-invasive procedure to relieve pain from vertebral compression fractures (VCF), affecting the bones from which the spinal column is comprised. This procedure is usually performed on patients whose vertebral fractures have occurred as a result of osteoporosis. For best results, kyphoplasty should be performed as soon as possible after the fracture’s occurrence.

Kyphoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia and sedation. You will need a friend or relative to drive you home afterward. You will be lying facedown for the duration of the procedure, which lasts approximately an hour. Once the anesthetic and sedative have taken effect, the skin surrounding your spine will be washed with a sterilizing solution, and a tiny incision will be made in the area. With x-ray assistance, an empty needle known as a trocar will be inserted into the spine until its tip is positioned evenly with the fractured vertebra. A balloon is then inserted though the needle and inflated, reverting the bone to its original shape and creating a cavity. The balloon is then removed and orthopedic cement is injected into the area, filling the cavity. Finally, the trocar is removed, and a sterile bandage is placed around the skin.

Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCF), which are fractures of the vertebra that commonly occur as a result of osteoporosis, spinal tumors or injury, and can cause severe pain and limited mobility. They can also lead to abnormal spine curvature and increase a patient’s risk for serious spinal complications.

In many cases, vertebral fractures can be treated through conservative methods such as bed rest, a back brace or pain medication. However, patients with osteoporosis or whose fractures have caused severe, long-term pain may benefit from a minimally invasive procedure such as vertebroplasty to relieve symptoms. This procedure is also recommended for patients who are too weak to undergo spinal surgery, or who have a malignant tumor within the spine that has caused vertebral damage. Vertebroplasty is most effective when performed on fractures that have recently occurred.

The technique involves placing bone cement into the fractured vertebral body. Vertebroplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia and sedation. You will need a friend or relative to drive you home afterward. You will be lying facedown for the duration of the procedure, which lasts approximately an hour. Once the anesthetic and sedative have taken effect, the skin surrounding your spine will be washed with a sterilizing solution, and a tiny incision will be made in the area. With x-ray assistance, an empty needle known as a trocar will be inserted into the spine until its tip is positioned evenly with the fractured vertebra. Orthopedic cement is injected into the area, stabilizing the fracture. Finally, the trocar is removed, and a sterile bandage is placed around the skin.


What to expect:

  • The procedure will be performed in an operation room with conscious sedation.

  • The procedure may take up to two to three weeks to achieve pain relief.

  • Your symptoms may feel worse in the first few days before it gets better.
  • After the procedure, patients will take the rest of the day off.
  • You will be able to resume normal daily activities the next day.
  • You will be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for the six hours leading up to your procedure.
  • A driver will need to take you home after the procedure.