Vertebral Augmentation
This minimally-invasive, outpatient procedure is used to treat a compression fracture of the vertebra, an injury that commonly results from osteoporosis. This technique can restore the height of the vertebra and stabilize the fracture, providing rapid pain relief.
Preparation
After the patient has been positioned and anesthesia administered, the surgeon inserts a guide wire or needle through the skin of the back. Using fluoroscopic guidance, the surgeon pushes the wire down to the target vertebra. A dilator is pushed over the wire to create a working channel to the vertebra.
Stabilization
The surgeon pushes an instrument through the working channel and into the collapsed vertebra. The instrument is used to create a cavity in the body of the vertebra. The cavity is filled with bone cement which rapidly cures and thus stabilizes the bone.
End of Procedure
The instruments are removed, and the patient is monitored in a recovery room. In many cases, pain relief is immediate, and the patient can return home within a few hours of the procedure.
Talk to your Swift Spine Institute provider to find out if vertebral augmentation is right for you. Request an appointment here.
Balloon Vertebroplasty (Kyphoplasty)
This minimally-invasive procedure repairs a vertebral compression fracture. It helps restore the spine’s natural shape. Some patients experience rapid pain relief after the procedure.
Preparation
Before the procedure, you are anesthetized. The physician guides a needle through the skin of your back and into your fractured vertebra. A special x-ray device called a “fluoroscope” helps the physician position the needle.
Balloon Inserted
A balloon device is placed through the needle and into the vertebral body. The physician carefully inflates this balloon to expand the fractured bone. When the balloon is deflated, it leaves a cavity in the middle of the vertebral body. The balloon is removed. For some patients, more than one needle and balloon may be used.
Fracture Stabilization
The physician injects bone cement through the needle. This cement fills the cavity. It hardens inside the vertebral body, stabilizing the fracture.
When the procedure is complete, the needle is removed. The opening in your skin is closed. Your doctor will give you instructions to aid your recovery.
Talk to your Swift Spine Institute provider to find out if kyphoplasty is right for you. Request an appointment here.
Content provided and copyright Viewmedica, used with permission.
