Description

Familiarity with Treatment:

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive surgical procedures used to treat vertebral compression fractures, which are often caused by osteoporosis or spinal tumors. Both procedures involve the injection of bone cement into the fractured vertebra to stabilize the bone and alleviate pain.

Procedure:

• In vertebroplasty, bone cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebra through a hollow needle. The cement hardens, stabilizing the bone and providing pain relief.
• Kyphoplasty involves the use of a balloon-like device to create a cavity within the fractured vertebra before injecting the bone cement. This aims to restore vertebral height and correct spinal deformity in addition to stabilizing the bone.

Who Is It Suitable For?

• Individuals with painful vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis, spinal tumors, or other causes.
• Patients experiencing severe pain and limited mobility as a result of vertebral compression fractures that have not responded to conservative treatments.

Who Is It Not Suitable For?

• Patients with stable vertebral compression fractures that are not causing significant pain or functional impairment.
• Individuals with medical conditions that may increase the risks associated with the procedures, such as active infections or bleeding disorders.

Advantages:

• Rapid pain relief and improved spinal stability.
• Potential reduction in the need for long-term pain medication.
• Restoration of vertebral height and correction of spinal deformity in kyphoplasty.

Complications:

• Possible complications include infection, cement leakage, nerve injury, or an allergic reaction to the bone cement.
• There’s also a risk of recurrent fracture in adjacent vertebrae.

Preoperative Care:

• Patients will undergo a thorough evaluation of their medical history and physical condition to assess their suitability for the procedures.
• They may have imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to identify the location and extent of the vertebral compression fractures.

Postoperative Care:

• After the procedures, patients may need to limit strenuous activities for a period to allow the bone cement to fully harden.
• Pain management and physical therapy may be recommended to aid in recovery and to help restore mobility and strength.
• Patients will be advised on proper posture and body mechanics to minimize the risk of future fractures.