Question 1

what is vertebroplasty?

Accepted Answer

Vertebroplasty: This surgical procedure is done when one of the vertebral bodies, the building blocks of your spine have collapsed. Various materials can be injected into the collapsed space in an effort to expand it out and reduce the pain commonly associated with it.

Question 2

when is a vertebroplasty needed?

Accepted Answer

Severe Pain : Vertebroplasty is commonly used following failure of conservative care such as bed rest, bracing, physicial therapy or adverse effect of medication. If the pain intensity is severe following the above care, vertebroplasty is a good alternative. It may be used immediately in those patient whose pain is so intensive that hospitalization is required and in the elderly who cannot tollerate bed rest.

Question 3

what is involved in a vertebroplasty?

Accepted Answer

MIS surgery: Vertebroplasty is a treatment used for vertebral fractures, such as that occurring is osteoporosis. It involved a minimal invasive approach to the vertebral body utilizing image guidance, wherein cement mixture is injected into the fractured vertebral body. It is usually done as an outpatient procedure following either IV sedation or general anesthesia.

Question 4

what are the problems with vertebroplasty?

Accepted Answer

Several: Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are not risk-free. Short-term complications occur mainly due to extravasation of the cement and can include increased pain and damage from heat or pressure to the spinal cord or nerve roots as well as cement embolization. Long-term problems include local acceleration of bone resorption caused by the treatment itself and new vertebral fractures.

Question 5

has anyone here done a vertebroplasty? how risky?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It is a low risk procedure for osteoporotic compression fractures. There are risks due to the viscocity of the injected cement. If not properly monitored, the cement can leak out of the bone into the adjacent structures including the veins, disc, and spinal canal. The procedure should only be done with a doctor with good training and experience.

Question 6

what is the definition or description of: vertebroplasty?

Accepted Answer

A vertebroplasty is : The repair of a fractured vertebra that has been compressed by placing a substance commonly referred to as " bone cement" though a needle into the vertebra to eliminate pain from that fracture by stabilizing it and in this type the procedure is done or needle directed under the use of an imaging technique known as a ct or cat scan or by fluoroscopy

Question 7

what are the risks of vertebroplasty

Accepted Answer

Vertebroplasty: Check out this link for information on vertebroplasty:  
 https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=vertebro

Question 8

when does someone need a vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty?

Accepted Answer

Controversial: These procedures can improve the pain on osteoporosis related compression fractures in the elderly.  Unfortunately, they can also increase the risk of adjacent level fractures in these patients.  hence, I suggest patients try bracing before these procedures.  If the bracing is not effective for pain control, then these procedures can certainly help with pain control

Question 9

what can you tell me about vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty?

Accepted Answer

Compression Fracture: Vertebroplasty is a procedure designed for the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures.  A needle is inserted through the back into the vertebral body with a painful compression fracture.  A bone cement is injected into the bone with fluoroscopic guidance.  The cement will harden in 5-10 minutes.  It can result in immediate relief of pain due to the compression fracture.

Question 10

what are the realistic results i should expect from a vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty? what should my realistic expectations be about my vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty?  what are the limitations of these procedures?

Accepted Answer

The : The results from clinical studies have been controversial.  I have found very good results with vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty if you have recent fracture, back tenderness and acute to subacute (recent) swelling of your fracture on MRI and do not have back nerve or spinal cord compression or instability in the spine.  Most people pain improve between 50 to 100%.  Even though uncommon these procedures may have significant risks.  I would discuss the risks and the benefits of those procedures with your spine surgeon.  Good luck!

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Pain after vertebroplasty

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What is vertebroplasty?

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When is a vertebroplasty needed?

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What is involved in a vertebroplasty?

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What are the problems with vertebroplasty?

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Has anyone here done a vertebroplasty? how risky?

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What is the definition or description of: vertebroplasty?

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What are the risks of vertebroplasty

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When does someone need a vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty?

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What can you tell me about vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty?

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What are the realistic results i should expect from a vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty? what should my realistic expectations be about my vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty? what are the limitations of these procedures?

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