Dr. Mrugank Narvekar
MBBS, MS(ORTHO), FISS, F.AOSPINE
Conditions and Treatments
Vertebroplasty
What is Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive spine surgery designed to treat painful vertebral compression fractures commonly caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or certain spinal tumors. It involves injection of a special medical-grade bone cement into the fractured vertebra. This stabilizes the broken bone, provides immediate pain relief, and prevents further collapse of the vertebra.
It is especially beneficial for patients with:
- Osteoporotic compression fractures
- Spinal fractures due to trauma
- Painful spinal tumors or metastases
Benefits of Vertebroplasty
- Immediate and significant pain relief
- Stabilization of the fractured vertebra
- Minimally invasive with small skin puncture
- Quick recovery and short hospital stay
- Improved mobility and quality of life
How is Vertebroplasty Performed?
- The patient lies face down on a surgical table.
- Under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, a needle is inserted into the fractured vertebra.
- Bone cement is carefully injected into the vertebra.
- The cement hardens within minutes, stabilizing the fracture.
The procedure usually takes less than an hour and is often done under local anesthesia with sedation.
Recovery After Vertebroplasty
- Most patients experience pain relief within 24–48 hours.
- Hospital stay is usually short (often same-day discharge).
- Normal activities can be resumed gradually within a few days.
- Your surgeon will guide you on exercises, lifestyle modifications, and osteoporosis management to prevent future fractures.
Risks and Considerations
Like any medical procedure, vertebroplasty carries some risks, including cement leakage, infection, or rarely, nerve irritation. However, when performed by an experienced spine surgeon, the risks are minimal, and the outcomes are highly favorable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Vertebroplasty
Q1. Who is a candidate for vertebroplasty?
Patients with painful osteoporotic compression fractures or spinal fractures not responding to conservative treatment are good candidates. A spine specialist will evaluate your suitability with clinical examination and imaging tests.
Q2. How effective is vertebroplasty?
Most patients experience significant pain relief immediately after the procedure, with long-term stabilization of the fractured vertebra.
Q3. Is vertebroplasty the same as kyphoplasty?
Both are minimally invasive procedures for spinal fractures. In kyphoplasty, a balloon is inserted before injecting the cement to restore vertebral height, whereas in vertebroplasty the cement is injected directly.
Q4. How long does the recovery take?
Recovery is usually quick, with most patients resuming daily activities within a few days. Pain relief is often immediate.
Q5. Will vertebroplasty prevent future fractures?
Vertebroplasty stabilizes the treated vertebra but does not prevent new fractures. Managing osteoporosis with medications, exercise, and lifestyle changes is essential.
Q6. Is vertebroplasty safe for elderly patients?
Yes, it is especially useful in elderly patients with osteoporotic fractures, as it avoids major surgery and provides rapid pain relief.
Conclusion
Vertebroplasty is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for painful spinal compression fractures.
Why Choose Us ?
As an experienced orthopaedic spine surgeon in Kandivali, we specialize in minimally invasive procedures, to help patients return to a pain-free and active lifestyle. Every treatment is tailored to your unique condition, ensuring the safest and most effective outcome.
Ready to take the next step?
If you are suffering from persistent back pain due to spinal fractures, vertebroplasty may help you regain mobility and live pain-free.
Book your consultation today to discuss whether Vertebroplasty is right procedure for you.