Vertebroplasty

Neurosurgeons and pain management specialists offer vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty to treat painful vertebral body fractures. The procedures are safe, relatively rapid (one to three hours), and provide immediate or near-immediate pain relief for many patients.

In both techniques, the surgeon inserts a needle through the skin and into the vertebrae, using an X-ray machine as a guide.

• For vertebroplasty, the surgeon injects an acrylic medical-grade liquid cement into the collapsed bone.

• For kyphoplasty, the surgeon re-expands the collapsed bone and then injects the cement. The cement hardens quickly, permanently stabilizing the fracture, alleviating pressure and preventing further collapse.

Treats these conditions:

ARTICLE TOOLS: