Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: A Guide to Treating Spinal Compression Fractures

Spinal compression fractures can be incredibly painful and debilitating, often resulting from conditions like osteoporosis. Fortunately, there are minimally invasive procedures available to provide relief and improve mobility. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are two such procedures that have been proven effective in treating vertebral compression fractures. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the differences between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, their common uses, how to prepare for the procedures, what to expect during and after the surgeries and the benefits and risks associated with these treatments.

What Are Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty?

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures (VCF) in the spinal column. These fractures often occur as a result of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by a loss of bone density and strength. When a vertebral body fractures, it becomes compressed, leading to pain and limited mobility. Vertebroplasty involves injecting a cement mixture into the fractured bone using imaging guidance, while kyphoplasty involves inserting a balloon into the fractured bone to create a space and then filling it with cement. Both procedures aim to stabilize the fractured vertebra and provide pain relief.

Common Uses of Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are commonly used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures in the spine, particularly those caused by osteoporosis. These procedures are often recommended after conservative treatments such as bed rest, back braces, or pain medication have proven ineffective. They can be performed immediately in patients with severe pain requiring hospitalization or for conditions that limit bed rest and pain medications. Additionally, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty may be recommended for elderly or frail patients who are likely to have impaired bone healing, patients with vertebral compression due to a malignant tumor, and those with osteoporosis resulting from long-term steroid treatment or a metabolic disorder.

Preparing for the Procedures

Before undergoing vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, your doctor will evaluate your condition using diagnostic imaging, blood tests, and a physical exam. It is essential to inform your doctor of any recent illnesses, medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are taking. They may advise you to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or blood thinners, several days before the procedure. Your doctor may also provide instructions on fasting before the surgery and wearing loose, comfortable clothing. If you are not being admitted to the hospital, it is important to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

The Equipment Used in Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty

During vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures, various equipment is used to ensure accurate and safe delivery of the cement mixture. X-ray equipment, including a fluoroscopy machine, is used to guide the placement of the needle or trocar into the fractured vertebra. Orthopedic cement, which contains polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), is used to stabilize the fractured bone. In kyphoplasty, a balloon tamp is also utilized to create a cavity or space before injecting the cement. Additional equipment, such as an intravenous line (IV), ultrasound machine, and monitoring devices for heart rate and blood pressure, may also be used during the procedures.

How Do Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty Work?

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty aim to stabilize the fractured vertebra and provide pain relief. During vertebroplasty, a hollow needle or trocar is inserted into the fractured bone under imaging guidance, and a cement mixture is injected directly into the vertebra. The cement hardens quickly, usually within 20 minutes, providing immediate stability. In kyphoplasty, after the needle or trocar is inserted, a balloon is inflated to create a cavity or space within the fractured bone. The balloon is then removed, and the cavity is filled with the cement mixture. This process helps restore the height and shape of the vertebra while providing stability and pain relief.

Performing the Procedures

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures are typically performed by specially trained interventional radiologists or neuroradiologists in an interventional radiology or neuroradiology suite, or occasionally in the operating room. In most cases, these procedures are done on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can go home on the same day. However, some patients may require admission following the procedure. The patient is positioned face down on an operating table, and the area where the needle or trocar will be inserted is shaved, sterilized, and covered with a surgical drape. Local anesthesia is administered, and the needle or trocar is guided into the fractured vertebra using imaging guidance. Once the cement is injected or the balloon is inflated and removed, X-rays or a CT scan may be performed to ensure proper distribution of the cement. The procedure typically takes about one hour, and the patient is monitored for a few hours before being discharged.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty is relatively quick, with most patients able to resume their normal daily activities within a few weeks. However, strenuous activities such as heavy lifting should be avoided for at least six weeks to allow the cement to fully harden and the fractured vertebra to heal. Patients may experience some soreness at the needle insertion site for a few days following the procedure, but this can be managed with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers. It is important to protect the bandage covering the insertion site and avoid immersing it in water for 48 hours to prevent infection. Patients should follow their doctor’s instructions regarding medication use, activity level, and scheduled follow-up visits.

Interpreting the Results

Approximately one hour after the procedure, patients are usually able to walk and may receive immediate feedback from their interventional radiologist regarding the technical success of the procedure. Follow-up visits are typically scheduled to include physical check-ups, imaging exams, and blood tests to assess the progress of healing and pain relief. It is important to communicate any side effects or changes to your doctor during these follow-up visits.

Benefits and Risks

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty offer several benefits for patients with vertebral compression fractures. These procedures can significantly improve functional abilities, allowing patients to return to their previous level of activity without the need for physical therapy or extensive rehabilitation. Pain relief is often immediate or experienced within a few days following the procedures. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive, requiring only a small incision and no surgical stitches. The risks associated with these procedures include the possibility of infection, cement leakage into potentially dangerous locations, bleeding, increased back pain, and neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling. Paralysis is extremely rare, and there is a low risk of allergic reactions to the medications used.

Limitations of Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty

While vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are effective treatments for vertebral compression fractures, they have certain limitations. These procedures are not suitable for herniated disks or arthritic back pain. They are generally not recommended for otherwise healthy younger patients, as the long-term effects of cement in the vertebral body are not well-studied in this population. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are not preventive treatments for osteoporosis-related fractures, but rather solutions for repairing known non-healing fractures resulting from recent trauma or compression. Patients with severe emphysema or lung disease may have difficulty lying face down for the duration of the procedure. Patients with healed (chronic) vertebral fractures or spinal curvature due to causes other than osteoporosis may not be ideal candidates for these procedures.

Conclusion

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are effective and minimally invasive procedures for treating painful vertebral compression fractures. These procedures offer significant pain relief and improve functional abilities, allowing patients to regain lost mobility and become more active. While they have certain limitations, the benefits of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty outweigh the risks for many patients. If you are experiencing back pain or have been diagnosed with a vertebral compression fracture, consult with a physician at Haydel Spine Pain & Wellness to determine if vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty is an appropriate treatment option for you.