Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are two minimally invasive procedures used to treat vertebral compression fractures, which occur when a vertebra in the spine collapses. Both procedures involve injecting bone cement into the fractured area to stabilize the vertebra and reduce pain.
Vertebroplasty is the older of the two procedures, dating back to the 1980s. In vertebroplasty, bone cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebra without any prior inflation of a balloon tamp. This procedure is effective in stabilizing the bone and providing pain relief.
Kyphoplasty, on the other hand, involves an additional step in which a balloon tamp is first inflated in the fractured vertebra to create a cavity before the bone cement is injected. This cavity creation allows for better restoration of vertebral height and alignment, making kyphoplasty a preferred option for treating more severe fractures.
Overall, kyphoplasty is considered to be a more advanced and effective procedure compared to vertebroplasty, as it provides better vertebral height restoration and alignment. However, both procedures have been shown to be safe and effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life for patients with vertebral compression fractures. It is important for patients to discuss with their healthcare provider to determine which procedure is best suited for their individual needs.
How long does it take to recover from vertebroplasty?
The recovery time for vertebroplasty is short. You may want to rest for 24 hours following the procedure before returning to your regular routine. Avoid strenuous activities for six weeks following vertebroplasty. You may notice pain relief and better mobility within 48 hours.
Who is not a candidate for kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty also cannot treat established spinal deformities. Other conditions that make you unsuitable for the procedure include bone infections, tumors in the spinal canal, bleeding disorders, and allergies to the medications used during the surgery.Jun 7, 2019
What is the most common complication occurring after vertebroplasty?
The major complications of vertebroplasty include epidural hematomas caused by medial pedicle wall breach or by cement via needle malposition, leakage of bone cement into the epidural and neural foraminal areas, pulmonary embolization caused by polymethylmethacrylate, arterial injury, and death.
What is the downside of vertebroplasty?
Moderate complications include infection and cement leak into the epidural space. Severe complications include leak into the paravertebral veins, leading to pulmonary embolism, cerebral embolism or cardiac perforation. The complications of vertebroplasty can be classified as follows: mild, moderate and severe.
