Sometimes there are some back pains that do not subside even after taking medicine or doing physiotherapy. Especially as we age, or after a minor accident, the pain caused by a compression fracture is unbearable. Have you had this experience? If so, this special treatment called Vertebroplasty can bring you great relief. Let's talk about this simply and clearly.
What is Vertebroplasty?
When people say vertebroplasty, they think it's a big, serious surgery. But it's not. It's a very minor, or minimally invasive, treatment. Simply put, it's like putting some cement on a cracked wall to strengthen it.
Your spine is made up of a stack of small bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of each other. When one of these vertebrae breaks, called a compression fracture, the broken pieces of bone stick together, causing severe pain. Vertebroplasty involves injecting a special surgical cement through a needle into the broken bone to stabilize it. The bone pieces then stop sticking together, and the pain almost completely disappears.
The most important thing is that this is not a major surgery that requires a hospital stay. You can go home the same day as the treatment.
What types of cases are treated with Vertebroplasty?
There are several main causes of compression fractures in the spine. Your doctor will examine you to see if one of these is causing your pain.
| Reason for the breakup | A simple description |
|---|---|
| Osteoporosis | This is the most common cause. As women age, especially after menopause, their bones become weaker and more fragile. Then, even a loud sneeze or a slight bend can cause a fracture. |
| An accident to the spine | Even a healthy vertebra can break due to an accident, a fall from a height, or other severe injury to the spine. |
| Cancer | Some types of cancer, especially those like Multiple Myeloma , can spread to the bones of the spine, weakening them and causing fractures. |
Who is suitable for this treatment?
This treatment is not for all back problems. If you are eligible for this,
- There must be severe pain caused by a fractured vertebra.
- That pain should last for at least two months .
- The pain should not have been relieved by other treatments such as rest, painkillers, and physical therapy.
After considering all of this, your doctor will ultimately decide whether this treatment is right for you or not.
How do you prepare before surgery?
If your doctor recommends this treatment, there are a few things you need to do before the surgery.
- Visiting the doctor: The surgeon will examine you and talk about your symptoms. He or she will also order a spine X-ray, MRI or CT scan, a bone density test (DEXA scan), and several blood tests.
- Talking about medications: If you are taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, you may be asked to stop taking them a few days before surgery. But remember, never stop taking your medications without your doctor's advice.
- Food and Drink: You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for a few hours before the surgery.
- Smoking: If you are a smoker, quitting before surgery will greatly help the healing process.
- Help to get home: Since you will not be able to drive yourself after surgery, it is essential to arrange in advance for someone to take you home.
What happens during the surgery?
Although I felt a little scared when I heard this, this process is very simple.
1. You will be taken to the treatment room and made to lie down on your stomach.
2. The anesthesiologist will give you the anesthesia you need, so you won't feel any sharp pain.
3. Then, the surgeon uses a special X-ray technique called fluoroscopy. Like a GPS, this X-ray helps the doctor insert the needle precisely into the broken bone.
4. Once the needle is in the right place, the special surgical cement is injected into the bone.
5. This cement hardens rapidly within a few minutes, strengthening the bone.
It usually takes about 60 minutes to treat one vertebra.
What happens after the surgery? How long does it take to recover?
When the treatment is finished, you will be transferred to the ward with a small band-aid placed over the needle insertion site.
- Rest: You should rest well for about 24 hours after you go home.
- Pain: For some people, the pain goes away immediately after the treatment. For others, the pain subsides after two to three days. There may be some soreness at the injection site for a few days. Applying an ice pack to the area can help.
- Work: You can resume your normal activities in a day or two. However, your doctor advises you to avoid lifting weights or doing strenuous exercise for about six weeks .
| Advantages of Vertebroplasty Treatment | Possible (rare) side effects |
|---|---|
| These are very rare things:
|
What is the difference between Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty?
Both of these treatments are used to treat spinal fractures. The main difference is that in Kyphoplasty, before cementing, a small balloon is inserted into the bone and inflated, creating a space inside the broken bone. This also attempts to restore some of the bone's height. Only then is the cement applied. In Vertebroplasty, this balloon is not used, but the cement is injected directly.
When should I see a doctor immediately?
If you experience any of the following symptoms after treatment, you should call your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of your nearest hospital.
- If the pain increases instead of decreasing.
- If you see signs of infection such as fever, swelling, or skin discoloration.
- If there is excessive bleeding from the needle insertion site.
- If you experience numbness or tingling in your legs or arms.
Take-Home Message
- Vertebroplasty is a very effective and safe treatment for severe pain caused by spinal fractures due to causes such as osteoporosis.
- This is not a major surgery. It is a very minor procedure that allows for a quick recovery.
- This treatment is not suitable for all back problems, so it is essential to be examined by a qualified doctor to determine if it is right for you.
- Don't hesitate to discuss any questions, fears, or doubts you may have with your doctor, both before and after treatment.
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