Vertebroplasty is a technique used to stabilize vertebral compression fractures of the spine by injecting a special cement in the fractured vertebrae. Compression fractures are common in people who have osteoporosis. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 750,000 osteoporosis patients experience these fractures every year. In addition to stabilizing the spine, vertebroplasty is helpful in pain reduction.
Osteoporosis and Fractures
Osteoporosis weakens the bones and decreases bone mass, making it much easier to break a bone. If you have osteoporosis, bone fractures can occur from very minor injuries or even from bumping your back. When a compression fracture occurs, the vertebra collapses, weakening that area of the spine. Cracked or fractured vertebrae must be stabilized, if possible, to prevent additional collapse of the vertebrae and spinal column. If this occurs, you may experience a decrease in your height, a stooped appearance or compression of the stomach and lungs. In some cases, cancer of the spine can cause vertebral fractures. Stabilizing the vertebrae soon after the fracture or crack is essential, as waiting can cause vertebrae to flatten or compress, making it difficult to effectively treat the fracture.
Choosing Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty may be recommended if other treatments, including pain medication, bed rest or use of a back brace, have not been effective. If pain medication has reduced pain but has caused a stomach ulcer, your doctor may recommend that you discontinue the medication and undergo a vertebroplasty. The procedure is often used in patients whose bones aren't strong enough for surgery or who are too old to safely tolerate a surgical procedure. Vertebroplasty may also be the preferred therapy for younger people who have developed osteoporosis due to a metabolic disorder or use of steroid medications.
Before the Procedure
While your doctor may be able to make a tentative diagnosis of a fractured vertebra based on an examination and your symptoms, several tests will be needed to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays, computed tomography (CAT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be used to give your doctor images of your spine, including information on bone alignment, shape of the spinal canal, disc degeneration and the state of the spinal cord. A bone densitometry scan may be used to measure your bone mineral density. This test is also helpful in determining if you have osteoporosis.
The Procedure
You will be awake during the vertebroplasty procedure, but will be given intravenous (IV) sedation. In some cases, general anesthesia is required. A local anesthetic is injected in the muscles in the back before the vertebroplasty procedure begins. A small incision is made on your back and a trocar, a hollow needle, is placed through your back muscles into your fractured vertebra. Your doctor will use X-ray images to guide her as she places the trocar. After the trocar is in place, medical cement will be injected in the vertebra. The cement usually hardens in 15 to 20 minutes, but your doctor may ask you to remain motionless for an hour or two following the procedure.
Recovery
Some people experience immediate pain relief from vertebroplasty, while others do not feel a reduction in symptoms for several days. Soreness at the trocar insertion site is common for a few days following the procedure. Your doctor may recommend that you stay in bed for the first day following surgery and resume your usual activities gradually. You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity or exercise for six weeks following the procedure.
Tags: following procedure, have osteoporosis, vertebroplasty procedure, your back, doctor recommend