Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty: A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Spinal Fractures at Pain Management of SA
Pain Management of SA understands the debilitating pain that can arise from spinal compression fractures. These fractures, which can be caused by either tumors or osteoporosis, can significantly limit your mobility and impact overall quality of life. To help with this pain while also benefiting your health, we offer a minimally invasive procedure known as vertebroplasty.
What is Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty can be used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures in the spine. These fractures usually occur in the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) regions. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a type of bone cement, is injected into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it and alleviate pain.
Benefits of Vertebroplasty
- Alleviation of Discomfort : Experiments have shown that after a vertebroplasty, pain decreases, ultimately improving mobility and increasing the overall quality of life.
- Least Invasive : Regarding invasiveness, vertebroplasty is much less invasive than the traditional open surgery. This means that recovery will be shorter, there will be less pain, and there will also be fewer potential complications.
- Outpatient Procedure : Usually, vertebroplasty is done on an outpatient basis, meaning that a person can return home on the same day of the procedure.
- Better Mobility : This operation stabilizes fractured vertebrae (bones), improving mobility and reducing restrictions due to painful sensations.
Who is a Candidate for Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty may be a suitable option for you if you experience:
- Chronic pain in your back caused by a vertebral compression fracture
- Difficulty standing, walking, or performing daily activities due to back pain
- Osteoporosis-related fractures
- Pain unresponsive l to conservative treatments like medication or physical therapy
Trust in Pain Management of SA
If you’re ready to take the next step toward better health, locate your nearest Pain Management of SA and schedule an appointment today.
What to Expect During Vertebroplasty
Before the operation, your doctor will discuss your medical history and perform a physical examination. X-rays, T scans, and MRIs may be used to confirm the diagnosis and decide if vertebroplasty is the best treatment.
The procedure itself usually takes around an hour and is done under local anesthesia with sedation. Here’s what typically happens:
Needle Placement
Using live x-ray guidance called fluoroscopy, a small needle is inserted through your back into the fractured vertebra.
Cement Injection
Bone cement is carefully injected into the broken bone to fill and stabilize it.
Monitoring
You will be watched briefly after the procedure to ensure no complications arise.
Recovery After Vertebroplasty
Some discomfort at the injection site is normal post-procedure. . Painkillers can be given to control this. Most people can leave the hospital on the same day, provided they are advised to look after themselves while recovering correctly. This may involve:
- Wearing a brace across your back for short periods to support it
- Avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a few weeks
- Having physiotherapy to improve your movement and strengthen your stomach muscles
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any medical procedure, vertebroplasty carries some potential risks and complications. However, these are rare. Your Pain Management of SA doctor will discuss these risks during the consultation. These might include:
- Leakage of cement outside the intended area
- Infection
- Bone death (osteonecrosis)
- Allergic reaction to the cement
FAQs
According to studies, the reduction in pain that comes with vertebroplasty can be very significant and may last for years.
Conservative treatments like medicine, physical therapy, and bracing are often attempted first. In situations where this doesn’t work, kyphoplasty might be considered. It is similar to vertebroplasty but involves inserting a balloon into the fracture and inflating it before injecting cement.
The decision to undergo vertebroplasty should be made in consultation with Pain Management of SA; they can evaluate your situation individually and take into account any previous medical history, offering their professional recommendation accordingly.
At Pain Management of SA, we believe in providing complete pain management solutions designed around you as an individual. If chronic backache due to vertebral compression fractures affects your life, please contact us today so we can arrange a consultation. Treatment options will be discussed during the consultation, including the potential benefits of vertebroplasty.