What Is Vertebroplasty?
A vertebroplasty procedure is used to treat compression fractures in the spine. As a minimally invasive treatment, vertebroplasty is able to alleviate pain and stabilize the fracture by injecting acrylic bone cement into the fracture. The cement fills the broken area in the bone in order to secure it. Dr. Raeson Hodge ofCRESCENT PAIN AND SPINE performs vertebroplasty procedures for patients who are experiencing severe pain from a spinal compression fracture. Not only can the fractures be painful, but they can cause a loss of mobility. To learn more about vertebroplasty to treat spinal fractures, contact our Sewell, New Jersey office today.
What are the Benefits of a Vertebroplasty?
Certain patients in Sewell, New Jersey suffering with back pain associated with osetoporosis or spinal compression fracture may have much to gain from the benefits of a vertebroplasty, including:
- Rapid pain, often within 1-2 days
- Long-lasting pain relief
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Can often be performed without the need for general anesthesia
- Shorter recovery period compared with invasive surgery
- Can prevent symptoms from worsening
- Restores better mobility
- May be effective when other treatment options fail
- Provides an alternative for patients who are not candidates for invasive surgery
Ideal Candidates for Vertebroplasty
Spinal compression fractures are most often caused by osteoporosis, but they can also occur after injury. Other known causes include having a metastatic tumor, multiple myeloma, or vertebral hemangioma. A vertebroplasty procedure is only needed if the fracture is unstable or is causing significant pain. In some cases, the fracture may heal by itself, but individuals may still experience discomfort and pain. Dr. Raeson Hodge will take x-rays of the spine before determining if vertebroplasty is the best course of treatment.
Procedure Technique
A vertebroplasty procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia and is typically an outpatient procedure. Dr. Raeson Hodge will use an x-ray monitor to guide the needle into the fractured vertebra. He will then slowly inject the bone cement into the area. In some cases, more than one injection may be needed to completely fill the vertebra. Following the procedure, the patient may be required to lay on their back for about an hour to allow the cement to harden into place. Patients may also need to be monitored for a few hours after the treatment.
What to Expect After Vertebroplasty
Patients are recommended to remain on bed rest for the first 24 hours after their procedure. There may be some soreness around the injection site that can be treated with some ice or over-the-counter pain medications. Most patients experience pain relief within 48 hours of receiving vertebroplasty. Dr. Raeson Hodge may suggest a follow-up appointment to evaluate the success of the procedure.
Relief for Your Pain
As a treatment option for spinal compression fractures, vertebroplasty can alleviate pain and stabilize the affected area. Dr. Raeson Hodge provides vertebroplasty to help improve his patients’ quality of life and allow them to experience freedom of movement. This minimally invasive procedure can help you regain mobility when other traditional methods have failed. Contact CRESCENT PAIN AND SPINE to schedule your consultation if you are experiencing the painful symptoms of a spinal compression fracture.
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