What Is It?
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures that treat painful vertebral compression fractures of the spine, typically caused by osteoporosis—a disease that involves bone loss and weakness. You will have diagnostic studies such as X-rays or MRI to determine the exact location of the fracture. These are inpatient procedures conducted by our interventional radiologists in the hospital. These procedures can significantly :
- Reduce back pain
- Improve quality of life
- Improve mobility
- Improve the ability to perform activities of daily living
How Is It Treated?
Vertebroplasty
Our radiologists use X-ray images to guide them and they inject a cement mixture into the fractured bone through a hollow needle. This prevents further collapse of the vertebra and provides long-term pain relief.
Kyphoplasty
In kyphoplasty, our radiologist inserts a balloon in the fracture and inflates the balloon to gently move the bone back to the correct position. After the balloon creates a cavity, the radiologist fills the cavity with a special cement that creates an internal cast that holds the vertebra in place and prevents the bone from further collapsing.
How Do I Prep For The Procedure?
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are inpatient procedures that require an overnight in the hospital.
You should arrange to have someone take you home after the procedure.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (12:00 a.m.) the night before your exam. No breakfast or water in the morning. Fasting is not required. No aspirin or blood thinners to be taken 5 days prior to the procedure.
Bring all medications with you to the hospital.
What Happens After The Procedure?
Patients are usually encouraged to resume normal activities gradually, although strenuous activities might be limited for a short period. The injected cement hardens quickly, providing immediate structural support to the fractured vertebra and restoring vertebral height. While individuals may notice an immediate reduction in pain, long-term recovery involves following post-procedure guidelines, which may include physical therapy and regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor progress and ensure optimal outcomes.
