Vertebroplasty is a non-surgical treatment to stabilize a collapsed vertebra with the injection of bone grade cement into the spine. This is done under imaging guidance. Kyphoplasty is also a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment for compression fractures of the spine. This procedure, performed in much the same way as vertebroplasty, uses a balloon to straighten the fractured area of the vertebral body. Once this is achieved, bone cement is injected into this newly formed space to obtain immediate stabilization and maintenance of the upright posture. Both procedures can prevent further collapse of the vertebra and dramatically reduce pain within hours.
What to Expect?
The patient will be seen at our outpatient imaging facility to discuss the procedure and have any necessary pre-procedural imaging. The vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty procedure will be performed in a hospital setting. You will receive a sedative, and then the interventional radiologist will insert a needle through a small cut in the skin of the back. X-ray guidance will be used to direct the needle to the appropriate vertebra. The physician then injects bone grade cement into the vertebra to stabilize the fracture. The cement hardens within a matter of minutes and works like an internal cast. Many patients experience pain relief immediately after the procedure or within 48 hours. An overnight stay in the hospital may be required following the procedure.
Patient Preparation
You may be seen in our interventional radiology clinic to speak to the nurse or interventional radiologist to discuss the procedure and have pre-procedural imaging. Any additional preparation instructions will be given to you at that time. Please give your interventional radiologist or nurse a list of any medications you take and allergies when you come in for your procedure.