Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty: All you need to know about the procedure

What is Vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty is a minimal invasive spine surgical technique used to heal a spinal vertebrae compression injury by repairing the collapsed bone's strength and height. It is usually done in people with extreme pain and, if the pain has lasted for longer than two months, disables them from regular functions.

Vertebroplasty can alleviate discomfort, improve autonomy and decrease the use of pain medicine for patients with severe and debilitating pain caused by a compression fracture.

Who needs Vertebroplasty?

For the prevention of the signs and complications of compression fractures of the spine, Vertebroplasty is recommended. These may be attributed, among other factors, to osteoporosis, which is the most prevalent cause; cancerous substances in the spine; or spinal trauma.

The following specialists perform Vertebroplasty:

Neurosurgeons specialize in the surgical care of nervous system disorders and conditions, including the spine's muscles.
Interventional pain physician specialize in using imaging tools to identify and manage diseases.
Ortho spine surgeons are experts in the surgical management of muscle and bone disorders and conditions, particularly the spine.

How to do Vertebroplasty?

The Vertebroplasty will be done in a well equipped surgical OT . For one vertebra to multiple vertebra , it takes about an hour or depending on the situation accordingly and usually requires these steps:

You're supposed to dress and sit on a treatment table in a patient gown.
The imaging team will implant an IV to supply fluids and medications.
To monitor your vital signs, your imaging team will attach instruments.
To calm you, you will get a prescription (a mild sedative). You can undergo general anesthesia if you are in severe pain from a vertebral compression fracture.
To reveal your spine, you will lie face down. To ensure warmth and to hold you positioned appropriately, you can get pillows and aids.
With a surgical drape, the imaging team can shave, disinfect, and mask the spine's infected region.
With an injection of local anesthetic, the surgeon can numb the skin and muscles.
The Surgeon inserts a needle through your skin and your broken spinal vertebra. Real-time X-rays (Fluoroscopy) can drive proper needle positioning. Your surgeon will ask you questions about the suffering during the operation.
Your pain physician will insert medical-grade cement into the vertebra until the needle is in place and then withdraw the hand. Within 15 to 20 minutes, the cement hardens.
For each broken vertebra, the neurologist repeats the process.
The imaging team can obtain additional X-ray (Fluoroscopy) images until the injections are complete.