Are you experiencing severe back pain due to a compression fracture in your spine? If conservative treatments like rest and pain medication haven’t provided relief, your doctor may recommend the vertebroplasty procedure.
It is a minimally invasive technique that can help stabilize the fractured vertebra and alleviate your pain. Here’s what you need to know about the vertebroplasty procedure.
How Long Does the Vertebroplasty Procedure Take?
The vertebroplasty procedure is relatively quick, typically taking around one hour for each vertebra being treated. The physicians will use imaging guidance (fluoroscopy) to carefully insert a needle into the fractured vertebra and inject surgical bone cement into the space. The cement stabilizes the fracture and stops more collapse when it hardens in 15 minutes.
Can You Walk After the Vertebroplasty Procedure?
One of the significant advantages of the vertebroplasty procedure is that it is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. Many patients are able to walk shortly after the vertebroplasty procedure, although some soreness at the needle insertion site is normal. This soreness should subside within a few days, and you may take pain medication to manage any discomfort during the initial recovery period.
Is the Vertebroplasty Procedure Painful?
While every patient’s experience is different, the vertebroplasty procedure is generally considered a minimally painful procedure. The area around the fractured vertebra is numbed with local anesthesia, and you may also receive conscious sedation to help you remain relaxed and comfortable during the process. After the vertebroplasty procedure, you may feel some soreness or discomfort where the needle was inserted, but this is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.
What Is the Recovery Time After the Vertebroplasty Procedure?
One of the most significant benefits of the vertebroplasty procedure is the relatively short recovery time. Many patients experience immediate pain relief following the vertebroplasty procedure, and most report that their pain is significantly reduced or completely gone within 48 hours. Typically, patients can resume normal activities within 24 hours after the vertebroplasty procedure, although it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions for a safe and successful recovery.
What Are My Chances of Benefiting from Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty?
If your back pain is caused by a compression fracture in your vertebra and conservative treatments like rest and pain medication haven’t provided relief after two weeks, the vertebroplasty procedure or kyphoplasty (a similar procedure that involves inflating a balloon to create space for the bone cement) may be recommended. The procedures are typically more effective for newer fractures, as older fractures may have already begun to heal in a compressed or misaligned state.
Your doctor will carefully evaluate your condition and medical history to determine if the vertebroplasty procedure is the most appropriate treatment option for your specific situation.
If you’re considering the vertebroplasty procedure for your compression fracture, it’s essential to discuss all your options with your healthcare provider.
