At Axis Clinics, spinal fractures are one of the common issues that our doctors deal with regularly. These fractures are a common issue, particularly in individuals with osteoporosis or traumatic injuries. These fractures can cause severe pain, limited mobility, and even deformity if left untreated. Any spinal fracture causing neurological issues or anticipated anatomical deformity needs immediate surgical intervention. For many osteoporotic fractures, conservative treatment is tried initially, but in case of unrelenting pain affecting mobility, immediate intervention is required. While the surgeries to deal with such issues used to be invasive, now some surgeries are minimally invasive and more effective at dealing with such matters.
Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty are two minimally invasive procedures designed to address such fractures, providing quick relief and restoring stability to the spine. At Axis Clinics, we specialize in these advanced procedures to ensure effective and safe patient outcomes.
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at treating spinal fractures and correcting spinal deformities. It is one of the most effective procedures for vertebral fractures and is often considered better than other procedures like vertebroplasty. This is because it can also help in regaining the height of the fractured vertebra, which is impossible with vertebroplasty. That’s why it is used in cases where the vertebrae has also lost its height due to compression.
The procedure involves using a balloon catheter to create space within the fractured vertebra, followed by the injection of bone cement to stabilize the spine. When inflated, the balloon helps restore the collapsed height of the broken vertebra.
Vertebroplasty is another minimally invasive technique that involves directly injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra to relieve pain and restore strength. Unlike Kyphoplasty, this procedure does not use a balloon to create space. Hence, it is used for cases where the bone is at its original height.
With vertebroplasty, the doctor helps patients to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and prevent further spinal collapse.
Osteoporosis is when the bones lose their strength and integrity due to a lack of calcium production. Due to this condition, osteoporotic spinal fractures occur, commonly in elderly patients, due to weakened bones.
Due to conditions such as bone metastases or myeloma, compression fractures occur, which are mainly dealt with by kyphoplasty.
The kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty procedures remain the same almost halfway through. However, there is a significant difference between the procedures. Both procedures involve the injection of cement in the fractured bone through a precisely placed needle under image guidance. The cement stabilises the broken fragment and reduces the pain in the case of kyphoplasty, which is done in cases where there is a reduction in bone height due to the fracture. A specialized balloon is inflated inside to restore height before the cement is injected. The result in either case is to provide stability to the fractured fragment.
These two surgeries have many benefits compared to other surgeries for treating spinal fractures. Here are some of the benefits that these surgeries offer:
Both of these surgeries require small incisions, which means less blood loss and faster recovery after treatment.
Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty lead to an immediate reduction in pain post-procedure, and no pain is left even after the effect of anesthesia disappears.
As the spine stabilises, it prevents further fractures, which the instability of the spine may have caused.
Both kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty work similarly, with a key difference in each step. This step is added in kyphoplasty and is not required in vertebroplasty.
To start the surgery, the diagnosis of the patient’s condition is done. The patient undergoes imaging tests (X-rays, MRI, or CT scans) to pinpoint the location and severity of the fracture.
Moreover, the procedure is typically performed under local or general anaesthesia to ensure comfort. So, as per the requirement, the anaesthesia is given to the patient.
After the preparation, the operation starts with a small incision near the affected vertebra. A fluoroscopic X-ray device guides the surgery. If the doctor chooses vertebroplasty, the bone cement is applied directly to the fracture through the incision.
However, if kyphoplasty is opted for, then a balloon catheter is inserted into the fractured vertebra and inflated to restore the collapsed height to as much as its original height. After that, the bone cement is applied to lock the bones.
After applying the cement, it is left to harden, which doesn’t take long. After that, the pain and neurological integrities are observed, and the incision is closed if everything seems fine. Being minimally invasive surgery, it doesn’t take much time to recover, and the patient may return to regular activities soon.
Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty offer advanced solutions for managing spinal compression fractures, relieving pain, and restoring mobility. At Axis Clinics, our expertise and patient-focused approach ensure the best outcomes. Contact us today to learn more about these minimally invasive procedures and regain your spinal health.
The choice depends on the type and severity of your fracture. Our experts will guide you to the best option.
Both procedures typically take 1-2 hours, depending on the fracture's complexity.
Most patients can resume light activities within a few days, but full recovery may take weeks.
While rare, complications such as cement leakage or embolism may occur. Choosing an experienced clinic minimises these risks.
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