Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery - Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures. These wedge-shaped fractures are painful and can be caused by osteoporosis and/or truama or injury. A humped spine, or kyphosis, can result from a lack of treatment. By injecting cement into the fractured bone to restore height, patients can minimize the potential for further fractures in the future. In addition, recovery times for this type of spinal procedure are relatively quick.

What Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF)?
A vertebral compression fracture involves the body of the disc collapsing into itself, leaving a wedged shaped vertebra. This occurs more often in the front of the disc. When several vertebrae are affected, a patient can develop a humped spine, a disorder called kyphosis.

Bones weakened by osteoporosis or bone marrow cancer are extremely prone to these types of spinal compression fractures. Sudden, strenuous activities such as lifting, sneezing, or coughing may cause fractures. Vertebral compression fractures can lead to back pain, reduced mobility and activity levels, depression, loss of independence, decreased lung capacity and inadequate sleep.

Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty Procedures
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are similar minimally invasive surgical procedures. Both are performed by passing a hollow needle through the skin into the affected vertebra. With a vertebroplasty procedure bone cement is injected through the hollow needle into the fractured bone. With a kyphoplasty procedure a balloon is also inserted to expand the vertebra to its normal height before injecting bone cement. The procedure can allow you to stand properly, reduce pain and reduce the chances of further fractures occurring.

Without treatment, vertebral compression fractures will eventually heal in a collapsed position causing pain and may lead to further spinal disorders. The advantages of these procedures is that your vertebra is returned to normal position and height before the bone hardens. Patients who've undergone kyphoplasty experience significantly reduced pain levels.

Additional osteoporotic fractures are 5 times more likely to occur after an initial fracture. It is important to obtain treatment for osteoporosis as early as possible before the first fracture occurs.

Candidates for Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty Procedures

YES:
• Osteoporosis
• Metastatic Tumor
• Multiple Myeloma
• Vertebral Hemangioma

NO:
• Stable Compression Fractures
• Bone infection / Osteomyelitis
• Bleeding Disorders
• Allergies to Procedure Medications
• Spinal Canal Fracture Fragments
• Spinal Canal Tumors

Notice:

This advertisement has been provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or an actual diagnosis. If you are experiencing pain that may be associated with back or neck disorders you should seek the care of a doctor as soon as possible or immediately if your symptoms are accompanied by incontinence / loss of bladder or bowel control, as these may be signs of life threatening condition.

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