In patients with osteoporosis, even a minor fall can lead to vertebral compression fractures. These fractures typically cause severe back pain and limited mobility.
Symptoms of Vertebral Compression Fractures
Patients with vertebral compression fractures often experience sudden and severe back pain, which may worsen when sitting up or moving. The pain can significantly restrict physical activity and interfere with daily life. Without appropriate treatment, the condition may lead to chronic pain, spinal deformities, or kyphosis.
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: An Effective Treatment Option
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat severe pain caused by vertebral compression fractures that do not respond to conservative treatment methods such as pain medication or physical therapy.
During the procedure, a medical-grade bone cement called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is injected into the collapsed vertebra. This stabilizes the bone, restores its strength, and significantly reduces pain—often within hours.
Indications for Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is typically recommended for patients who:
Have acute vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis.
Experience severe back pain that does not improve with conservative treatments.
Face limitations in daily activities due to persistent back pain.
Procedure Steps
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia or light sedation is administered to ensure patient comfort.
Patient Positioning: The patient lies face down on the operating table.
Imaging Guidance: Fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) is used to identify the fractured vertebra.
Cement Injection: A specialized needle is inserted into the vertebra, and bone cement is carefully injected into the fracture site.
Stabilization: The cement hardens within minutes, stabilizing the fracture and relieving pain.
Benefits and Safety
When performed by an experienced spine specialist, vertebroplasty is considered a highly safe procedure.
Key benefits include:
Rapid pain relief, often within 24 hours.
Short recovery time, allowing patients to resume normal activities quickly.
Reduced risk of spinal deformities and postural imbalance, which may otherwise lead to recurrent falls and additional fractures.
Post-Procedure Care
Most patients notice significant pain relief shortly after the procedure. Recovery is typically quick, with many able to walk and return home the same day or the following day.
Patients are advised to:
Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities during the initial recovery period.
Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and spinal health.
Conclusion
Vertebroplasty is a modern, minimally invasive treatment that effectively reduces pain and stabilizes the spine in patients with osteoporosis-related vertebral compression fractures. By choosing the right treatment approach tailored to each patient’s needs, physicians can help patients recover quickly and return to their normal daily activities.
Source:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6642552/
https://jss.amegroups.org/article/view/3554/html
Written by: Dr. Matee Phakawech
Medical License No. 41601