Vertebroplasty

Overview of Vertebroplasty in India

Vertebroplasty is a surgical treatment used to treat spinal compression fractures. In order to stabilise the fracture and give the spine sufficient support, this surgery uses bone cement at the location of the damaged vertebra. The cement solidifies over time. The primary goals of this operation are to ease the patient's pain and discomfort, restore their mobility, and let them to resume their normal activities.

Vertebroplasty surgery is most frequently performed on patients who did not respond well to conservative treatment options such as bed rest, medication, lumbosacral support, braces, and physical therapy. Doctors advise vertebroplasty surgery even in cases where deep vein thrombosis, severe osteoporosis, or pulmonary problems result from any damaged vertebrae.

What Is Vertebroplasty?

A minimally invasive outpatient treatment for spinal compression fractures is vertebroplasty. Breaks in the vertebrae, the bones that make up your spine, are known as compression fractures. Pain results from the fragments of shattered bone rubbing against one another. In order to keep your bones from collapsing and to relieve discomfort, vertebroplasty employs surgical cement to hold them in place.

Types of Vertebroplasty:

Procedure:

Preparation Before Vertebroplasty Surgery

• In order to pinpoint the precise place and type of discomfort, the doctor first asks about the patient's brief medical history before performing a physical examination. In addition, the physician recommends imaging procedures including MRIs and CT scans.
• The patient is expected to disclose any prescription and over-the-counter medications to the physician.
• Tell the physician if you have ever experienced bleeding issues.
• Let the doctor know if you take any anticoagulants, such as aspirin.
• During the surgery, the patient is instructed by the doctor to avoid wearing any jewellery.
• Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting attire is always advised when having this operation done.
• Steer clear of meals at least three to four hours before to the surgery.

During The Vertebroplasty Surgery Procedure

• In order to prepare the spine for the surgery, the doctor cleans the area while the patient lies upside down on the table. The specified region of the spine is then given general anaesthesia.
• Through the skin's surface and into the spinal vertebrae, a needle is introduced. In order to ensure that the body is shielded from radiation, real-time X-ray photographs are utilised to direct the physician to the proper location in your lower back.
• The doctor slowly injects bone cement into the vertebra; depending on how the cement enters the vertebra, a second injection may be necessary to fully fill it. 

After The Vertebroplasty Surgery Procedure

• Until the cement solidifies, the patient is required to lie on their back for a few hours.
• Most likely, the patient will spend an extra hour or two in an observation room.
• After the operation, the patient may feel less discomfort nearly instantly, although it may take three to four days. For short-term pain treatment, the doctor may give the patient over-the-counter analgesics.
• The physician will keep an eye on the situation, evaluate the level of pain, and look for any potential issues.
• Although it's typically not necessary, the patient might need to keep wearing a back brace.
• In a few weeks, the patient will return for a follow-up visit.