If you suffer from osteoporosis and back pain, you are not alone. However, when untreated and undetected osteoporosis can lead to vertebral compression fractures in the spine. These fractures can be treated with minimally invasive surgical procedures that are designed to stabilize and treat pain. The two most common methods are vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. But what is the difference and which is right for you?
Click Here to Read: Treating Back and Neck Pain Without Surgery
Vertebroplasty
A vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is done through a small puncture in the skin compared to an open incision. This procedure is typically completed within one hour.
Using a small needle inserted into the collapsed vertebra, the vertebral body is then injected with bone cement. The liquid state cement will then fill the cracks within the bone to create an internal cast to stabilize the bone. The needle is then removed and the cement hardens within 10 minutes. The bone begins to stabilize and the puncture is covered with a bandage. After the procedure, our team will monitor the patient to ensure medication has worn off and that the bone cement has hardened without complication.
Following the procedure, we recommend patients to take it easy. Some soreness is normal which can be relieved with an ice pack. We recommend increasing activity levels gradually and return to strenuous physical activity after 6 weeks. You will be invited to a follow-up appointment with Dr. Landrum to ensure recovery is going well.
Kyphoplasty
Similar to vertebroplasty, a kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is designed to stop the pain with a spinal fracture. The procedure begins with making a small incision in the back. A tube is then inserted into and guided into the correct position. Dr. Landrum will place a small balloon through the tube into the vertebrae. The balloon will be gently inflated and elevates the fracture so that the bones will return to their normal position. The balloon will compact the soft inner bone in order to create a cavity within the vertebrae. Once the cavity is created, the balloon will be replaced with bone cement to stabilize the bone.
Patients can receive pain relief immediately to two or three days post-op. Following surgery, patients can return to their daily activities but should avoid strenuous activities for at least six weeks.
Vertebroplasty vs Kyphoplasty: Which is Right for You?
Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are safe and effective procedures used for treating painful vertebral compression fractures from a variety of conditions including osteoporosis, metastatic tumors, multiple myeloma, and vertebral hemangioma. Both of these treatments will relieve pain caused by vertebral fractures and allow patients to return back to their previous level of activities without physical therapy or rehabilitation.
Every patient is different and treatment may vary depending on your condition. If you’re interested in learning more about vertebroplasty vs. kyphoplasty procedures or to see if you’re a candidate for surgery – contact our office today.
