English
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty

Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty

Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty in Mukundapur, Kolkata

Vertebroplasty, also known as Percutaneous Vertebroplasty, is a minimally invasive outpatient treatment that treats spinal compression fractures. When bone fragments scrape against one another, these vertebral fractures can be quite painful. During a Vertebroplasty, the damaged bone is filled with surgical cement to reduce pain and prevent further collapse. Even though many compression fractures are asymptomatic and do not need to be treated, Vertebroplasty helps relieve chronic or severe pain.

Kyphoplasty, which is commonly done in conjunction with Vertebroplasty, uses a balloon to enlarge the damaged vertebra and allow for the insertion of a cement mixture. This method of treating spinal instability and height is also called Balloon Vertebroplasty. Both treatments are usually completed outpatiently, and they work best when carried out within two months of the fracture diagnosis. When traditional pain management techniques are ineffective, these therapies can greatly increase mobility and reduce pain.

FAQ's

Osteoporosis, a condition that thins the bones, is a common cause of compression fractures in the spine. If you experience severe and unbearable pain following a compression fracture for more than two months and it does not improve with bed rest, pain medication, or physical therapy, your physician can suggest this procedure. In addition, your doctor might advise this treatment if you suffer from a painful compression fracture in your spine because of:

  • Malignancy, such as multiple myeloma
  • An injury resulting in fractured vertebrae

These procedures are contraindicated under the following conditions: 

  • Osteomyelitis of the target vertebra

  • Acute traumatic fracture of a non-osteoporotic vertebra

  • Uncorrectable bleeding condition

  • Asymptomatic, stable fracture

  • The patient is making progress with their medical treatment

  • There are no signs of acute fracture and there is no planned spinal destabilisation procedure

  • A significant collapse of the vertebral body (>70%) has been identified

  • The fracture is stable and has been present for more than two years

  • The tumour has spread into the surrounding epidural space, resulting in considerable compression of the spinal cord

  • The pain radiating down the legs is much more severe than the pain in the affected vertebra

It is crucial to accurately evaluate a patient if they are at risk for osteoporosis and have spinal pain that is either traumatic or atraumatic in origin and is not improving with conservative treatment. The most common examinations are:

  • X-ray Imaging: X-ray imaging is typically the initial and cost-effective method used for diagnosis. A side-view X-ray of the lumbar or thoracic spine is often effective in identifying spinal misalignment, height loss, and fractures.

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Although it is more costly, it can indicate if the fracture is recent by revealing the existence of bone swelling.

  • Computed Tomography (CT) scan: This provides a more comprehensive view of the bone structure and can identify decreases in height, backward movement of fragments, and potential narrowing of the spinal canal.

  • Bone Scintigraphy: Bone scintigraphy is a nuclear medicine imaging technique used to diagnose medical conditions of the bones, including cancer, infection, and fractures.

You are required to arrive at the specified time on the day of your surgery, either at the hospital or an outpatient clinic. Once in the treatment room, you will change into a gown and lay on your stomach. The surgeon will carry out the operation while you are under general anaesthesia or moderate sedation administered by an anesthesiologist. You will not experience intense, sharp pain. After the anaesthesia takes effect, your surgeon will insert a needle into your skin and use fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray, to accurately position the needle within your bone. Then, your surgeon will inject surgical cement into the injured area of your bone, which will hold the vertebrae together.

Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty procedures are generally considered to be safe and effective. These procedures are advantageous in various ways, such as: 

  • Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty can enhance a patient's functional abilities and allow for a return to their previous level of activity without the need for physical therapy or rehabilitation.

  • Most patients have significant relief almost immediately or within a few days following these treatments, which are typically successful in relieving the pain associated with a spinal compression fracture. Many people also get symptom relief.

  • About 75% of patients who get Vertebroplasty regain lost mobility and become more active, which helps to prevent osteoporosis. 

  • Patients who had been bedridden after the treatment can now move around, which can lower their risk of pneumonia. Being more active strengthens muscles and promotes mobility even more.

  • There is just a little nick in the skin that doesn't require stitches, as no surgical incision is made.

After the surgery, you may experience some discomfort in the operating area for a day or two. To relieve this, you can try placing an ice pack on the affected area. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also provide relief. It is advisable to speak with your physician to find the best course of action for you. If necessary, your doctor might recommend a stronger pain reliever. Most patients tend to see an improvement in their back pain within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. However, for some individuals, it may take up to three days to feel relief. It's important to note that everyone's recovery process is different. It's recommended to discuss with our surgeon your recovery expectations. If you continue to experience discomfort after surgery, you can talk to our doctor about your concerns and other methods for managing pain.

You can immediately rush to the hospital if you notice: 

  • Swelling in or around the wound
  • The incision gets hot and red or starts to drain
  • Breathing problems or chest pain
  • Odoema or discomfort in your calves or legs
  • Temperature of 100 °C or more
  • Inability to regulate your bowels or bladder
  • Experience tingling or numbness