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Vertebroplasty
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What Are Vertebroplasty?
vertebroplasty procedures treat breaks in the vertebra that make up your spine. Without this treatment, those breaks can make your spine shorten and curve forward. Osteoporosis is the main cause of the fractures.
It is common for no food or drink to be allowed less than 6 hours before the vertebroplasty procedure. For example, if the surgery is scheduled in the morning, the doctor might require that no food or drinks be consumed after midnight before the procedure. A small amount of water is typically allowed up to 2 hours before the surgery.
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat vertebral compression fractures of the spine.
Procedure
- You will be placed on a table on your stomach.
- You will be given an injection of antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
- You will be given an intravenous sedative, and a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area around the damaged spine. The sedative will make you drowsy but will not put you to sleep.
- A special X-ray machine called a fluoroscope will be used by the physician to assure proper needle placement and optimal cement deposition.
- If one vertebra is being treated, the procedure usually takes about one hour. If more than one site must be treated, the procedure will take longer.
What are the Risks?
vertebroplasty is very low-risk. There’s a slight chance you could get an infection, bleeding, increased back pain, or numbness and tingling. If you have osteoporosis, there is a risk of developing additional fractures at other vertebral bodies in your spine. To avoid this risk, your healthcare provider will want to ensure that you are on medications to improve your bone quality.