Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty
Osteoporosis can cause bone loss that may lead to spinal compression fractures (SCFs), resulting in pain and posture issues in the spine. When vertebrae are weakened, they can collapse, put pressure on nerves and cause chronic neck, back and radiating pain. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are two minimally-invasive treatments that restore strength to vertebrae affected with SCFs and provide pain relief and improved posture. Our pain physicians at Medici Spine & Pain offer these treatments as one of many options to combat neck and back pain related to fractured vertebrae.
What is Vertebroplasty?
With vertebroplasty, a surgical bone cement is injected into the bone of the fractured vertebra. This can strengthen the structure and reduce the chance of further impingement on surrounding nerves to minimize pain. The injection is guided by imaging to place the bone cement exactly where it is needed to strengthen the weakened vertebra.
What is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is similar to vertebroplasty, as it uses surgical bone cement to strengthen vertebrae with SCFs. The difference is that kyphoplasty first expands the vertebra with a surgical balloon that is inserted inside through a guided needle. Once the vertebra is expanded back to its original shape, bone cement is injected into the space to keep the vertebra expanded to relieve pressure on the surrounding nerves.
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty can be implemented on one vertebra, or more commonly, on multiple vertebrae that are weakened from osteoporosis. This is a less invasive option than spine surgery, with fewer risks and a quicker recovery, yet it offers effective pain relief for those with SCFs.
If you have osteoporosis or spinal compression fractures, vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty could be treatment options to give you pain relief and prevent further deterioration. Contact our team at Medici Spine & Pain to schedule a spine evaluation to determine whether this is the right treatment option to give you pain relief and improve your spine posture.