Vertebroplasty
Treatment

Table Of Contents

• What Is Vertebroplasty?
• When Is Vertebroplasty Performed?
• How Is Vertebroplasty Performed?
• How Can You Prepare Yourself For Vertebroplasty?
• What To Expect After Vertebroplasty?

What is Vertebroplasty?

The procedure of vertebroplasty is done to treat fractures in the spine. The bones that make up the spinal column are called vertebrae. They protect and surround your spinal cord. When a vertebra breaks, it compresses, narrowing the space around the spinal cord. This can cause discomfort. An acrylic cement mixture is injected into the damaged vertebra during vertebroplasty. The cement mixture fills in and reinforces the damaged vertebra to ease the pain.

When is Vertebroplasty Performed?

Vertebroplasty can be performed when,

• Before a surgical operation, a vertebral bone or many vertebrae are reinforced.
• A person is too frail, or his bones are too weak for open surgery.
• The bones get weaker due to a lack of minerals
• Bone death due to necrosis
• Cancerous tumours weaken the bones in the spine, increasing the risk for compression fractures. Vertebral compression fractures happen when bones in the spine become weak.

How is Vertebroplasty Performed?

Vertebroplasty is just an hour long if it is for one vertebra.

During the procedure, with a local anaesthetic injection, the radiologist numbs the skin and muscles. Then, a needle is inserted through the skin and into the damaged spinal vertebra. Real-time X-rays guide proper needle placement, and medical-grade cement is injected into the vertebra. Within 15 to 20 minutes, the cement hardens.

How can you Prepare Yourself for Vertebroplasty?

You can get ready for vertebroplasty by doing the following:

• Taking or discontinuing drugs according to the instructions. Not taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners is one example.
• Before vertebroplasty, follow all dietary and drinking directions.
• Answering all questions regarding your medical history and current drugs. Prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbal therapies, and vitamins are all included. A current list of your medical conditions, medications, and allergies should be carried with you.
• Organizing a ride home

What to Expect After Vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty can provide instant pain relief for some patients, but it can also cause a transient increase in back discomfort or pain at the injection site, which can linger for several hours. The patient is advised to apply cold packs to relieve pain and take their pain medicine as prescribed by their doctor. It could take up to three days to be
completely pain-free.