Treatment for: Spine fractures
Procedures offered: Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty
Spine fractures (vertebral compression fractures)
Osteoporosis is a disease that affects bone density, mass and strength. As it progresses, bones within the spinal column can become porous (full or small holes) and are vulnerable to fracture. These bones, called vertebrae, can also become weakened by cancer.
When a vertebra fractures, it can be quite painful. In some cases, the normal rectangular shape of the bone becomes distorted and collapses. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures for vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).
Vertebroplasty uses fluoroscopic imaging to guide a needle directly into the fractured vertebra. Once inside the fracture, a special bone cement is injected. The cement hardens, which stabilizes and strengthens the bone. An alternative procedure, called kyphoplasty, is used for a vertebra that has collapsed. During this procedure, small balloons are inserted into the vertebral body and inflated to restore the height of the vertebra. When it is deflated, the resulting hollow cavity is injected with bone cement.
The procedure you have will depend on the type of fracture with your vertebra. You can return home the same day, and in most cases, pain relief is achieved immediately.
Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty Preparation Instructions
- Please inform us of all medications that you are taking, including herbal supplements, and if you have any allergies, especially to local anesthetic, medications or to contrast (also known as “x-ray dye”).
- You may be advised to stop taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Tylenol, Advil) or a blood thinning medication for a period of time before your procedure.
- Please inform us about recent illnesses or other medical conditions.
- Women who are or may be pregnant should inform us immediately. Many imaging tests such as x-ray are not performed during pregnancy so as not to expose the fetus to radiation.
- Unless otherwise instructed, you may take your usual medications, especially blood pressure medications. These may be taken with some water in the morning before your procedure.
- You may be instructed to refrain from eating or drinking anything for several hours before your procedure.
- You may need to remain for a period of observation after your procedure.
- You will be given a gown to change into before your procedure.