Understanding Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
4. Neck Pain
1:55
6. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. Foot Pain
1:50
9. Ankle and Foot Pain
1:46
10. Cancer Pain
1:34
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
3. Acupuncture
2:13
4. Physical Therapy
1:35
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
5. Caudal Epidural
1:33
10. Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
1:39
11. Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
2:05
12. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
13. MILD Procedure
2:04
14. Spinal Decompression Surgeries
1:41
15. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
1746876032
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are procedures that help stabilize broken bones in the spine, which are often due to conditions like osteoporosis, cancer, or injury. These breaks are called vertebral compression fractures and can lead to severe back pain and difficulty moving. During both procedures, a special type of medical cement is injected into the broken bone to make it stronger and reduce pain.
In vertebroplasty, the cement is injected directly into the fractured bone, usually using an X-ray to guide the needle to the right spot. This makes the bone stable again. Kyphoplasty is a bit different; it begins with the insertion of a small balloon into the bone, which is then inflated to create space. The cement is then injected to fill this space, often helping to restore the bone's original shape and height.
People usually consider these procedures when other treatments, like bed rest, wearing a back brace, or taking pain medication, haven’t worked. In the best cases, patients feel pain relief soon after the procedure, and they can return to light activities within a week or two.
There are some risks, such as infection, movement of the cement, or nerve injury, which can lead to numbness or tingling. Rarely, the cement could travel to other parts of the body. Before the procedure, your doctor will use imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to locate the fracture and may recommend stopping certain medications, like blood thinners.
Alternatives to these procedures might include ongoing physical therapy to strengthen your back, taking medications for pain relief, or even considering more invasive surgeries if necessary.
These procedures are most successful in people who need non-surgical pain relief quickly and can’t undergo major surgery. Most people find that their mobility and quality of life improve significantly after treatment.
FAQs
How do kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty differ from each other?
While both procedures involve injecting cement into fractured vertebrae, kyphoplasty begins with the insertion and inflation of a small balloon to create space in the bone before cement injection, which can help restore the bone's original shape and height. Vertebroplasty, on the other hand, involves direct injection of cement into the fracture without balloon use.
How long is the recovery period following kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty?
Recovery after these procedures is generally swift. Many patients experience immediate pain relief and can return to light activities within one to two weeks. However, it is advisable to follow post-procedure guidelines, including a short period of bed rest and avoiding strenuous activities to ensure proper healing.
What are kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty used for?
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures designed to stabilize vertebral compression fractures, which are often caused by osteoporosis, cancer, or significant injury. These fractures can lead to severe back pain and restricted movement, and the procedures aim to alleviate pain and improve mobility by injecting special medical cement into the affected bone.
What are the potential risks associated with kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty?
The risks of these procedures include infection, movement or leakage of the cement, nerve injury that may cause numbness or tingling, and in rare cases, the cement can travel to other parts of the body leading to complications such as pulmonary embolism. Ensuring proper imaging and pre-procedure checks can help minimize these risks.
When should someone consider undergoing these procedures?
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are typically considered when other non-surgical treatments, such as bed rest, using a back brace, or taking pain medication, fail to provide relief. They are particularly suited for individuals who are unable to undergo more invasive surgical procedures but require rapid pain relief and improved mobility.