Recently, vertebral augmentation techniques have gained popularity in treating compression fractures that cause severe pain and reduce mobility. This minimally invasive procedure helps to stabilize the spinal bones and improve mobility. But is it safe? How does it work? What are its risks and benefits? Get all the answers in these FAQs on vertebral augmentation technique in treating compression fractures. Visit the best Pain Management Clinic in Brooklyn at Doral Health & Wellness or log on to www.doralhw.org. to schedule an appointment with us.
Vertebral Augmentation Technique and its role in the treatment of Compression Fractures (FAQs)
These FAQs provide comprehensive information about the vertebral augmentation technique and its role in treating compression fractures.
- What is vertebral augmentation treatment?
Ans. Vertebral augmentation is a minimally invasive treatment that is used to treat compression fractures and several other conditions and injuries that cause severe back pain. In this procedure, the doctor injects a cement-like medicine into a cracked or broken vertebra (a spinal bone). This cement will stabilize the vertebra and burn off many nerve endings, lowering your pain. This procedure is performed by an orthopedic/spine disease specialist after other non-surgical treatments have not been effective. Depending on the type of damage, one of types – vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty is used to treat the condition.
- When is the vertebral augmentation technique recommended?
Ans. This procedure is generally recommended for individuals who are dealing with severe pain and lowered mobility due to vertebral compression fractures that occur due to osteoporosis, trauma, or tumors that affect the spine.
Here’s why vertebral augmentation is usually recommended:
- Recent fractures: This procedure is mostly effective when performed within a few weeks to a few months after the fracture occurs.
- Persistent Pain: The candidate’s pain didn’t get better with conservative treatments like rest, pain medication, or physical therapy.
- Specific Fracture Locations: This technique is most suitable for treating fractures in the thoracic and lumbar spine.
- No neurological symptoms: Candidates who don’t have signs of spinal cord compression or nerve damage might need different treatment approaches.
Make sure you consult with your pain management team to determine if this procedure is right for you. They’ll make the decision based on your specific symptoms and medical history and recommend the best treatment options.
- How to prepare for a vertebral augmentation procedure?
Ans. Before the procedure, your doctor will perform a physical exam and/or imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, CT, or bone scan to determine the accurate location of the fracture and assess your overall health. You should discuss what medicines to take or avoid before the procedure. Usually, if you take daily medications, you may be able to take them in the morning of the procedure with small sips of water. You might be asked to stop taking blood thinners a few days before the procedure. Depending on the type of anesthetic you’d need, you may have to stop food or drinks a few hours before the procedure. Make sure you follow the instructions properly and ask the doctor if you have any doubts.
- What to expect during the procedure?
Ans. During the procedure, you may need to wear a hospital gown, and the doctor will insert a flexible, narrow tube into the vein of the arm. Through this tube, the doctor gives the anesthesia, depending upon the procedure and the number of spinal bones involved. General anesthesia makes you fall asleep during the procedure. Most people need to be sedated, which makes them relaxed and sleepy. You need to lie face down on the examination table after getting anesthesia.
Now, if a doctor performs vertebroplasty, then the doctor uses special types of X-rays or CT scans to pinpoint the exact location of fractured vertebrae to inject the medicine into your spine. The cement will harden within 20 minutes. Whereas, in kyphoplasty, the doctor inserts a balloon tamp through the needle and then inflates it to create a hole and cavity. Then, the balloon is deflated and removed, and cement medicine is injected into the cavity created by the balloon.
If the fracture was caused by cancer, a small sample of bone tissue may be taken for testing. Radiation treatment of the cancer in the bone is also performed before and after the procedure. After the procedure, you can go home on the same day after your vital signs stabilize. The procedure usually takes an hour, but it can take longer if more than one spinal bone is involved.
- What to expect after the procedure?
Ans. Most people who undergo vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty procedures can go home the same day. Although, you may need someone to take you home. You may experience some soreness at the infection site for a few days. If you have pain, you can use an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to relieve the pain. You can use it for not more than 15 minutes every hour. While you can return to normal activities after treatment, make sure you avoid intense physical activity. The exact time of recovery can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and individual healing rates. Make sure you follow all post-procedure instructions and attend recommended physical therapy sessions to optimize recovery and ensure long-term success.
- What are the potential risks of the vertebral augmentation technique?
Ans. Vertebral augmentation is usually a safe procedure, but like surgery, it carries a small risk of complications like:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Adverse reactions to anesthetics
- Blood clots
- Shock
- Chest problems
- Urine retention
Other risks and complications may include:
- Cement leakage: This happens when cement leaks outside the compression fracture site. Usually, it doesn’t cause any problems, but in some cases, this may leak onto the nerve or the spinal cord, which causes pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, or loss of movement.
- Nerve damage: This may occur when nerves around the spinal cord get damaged.
- Failure to lower pain: In some cases, vertebral augmentation may not be effective in relieving pain.
- Bone necrosis: It means the death of bone tissue.
- Pulmonary embolism: It is rare but may occur when cement leaks out of the vertebra and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs.
- What are the potential benefits of the vertebral augmentation technique?
Ans. You can experience these benefits from the vertebral augmentation procedure:
- It increases the ability to return to your previous level of activity without any form of physical therapy or rehabilitation.
- It can successfully alleviate the pain caused by a vertebral compression fracture, and many people feel a significant relief almost immediately or within a few days. Many patients become completely symptom-free.
- More than 75% of patients regain their lost mobility and become more active, which has been found effective in combating osteoporosis. After the procedure, immobile patients should start doing activities that lower the risk of pneumonia. Increased activity helps to build muscle strength, which further encourages mobility.
Vertebral augmentation is a good choice to treat compression fractures, especially when you have significant pain and lower mobility, and conservative treatments fail to improve your condition. Make sure, before considering this treatment, you consult with your doctor about its benefits and risks to determine whether it is a good option or if you should consider its alternatives.
Need help with compression fractures? Visit our pain management clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!! If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your pain, we recommend consulting with our healthcare provider to explore the right treatments or therapies for you. Always listen to your body and adjust your daily routine to prioritize your well-being. Visit Doral Health & Wellness Pain Relief Department in Brooklyn, to get professional help and guidance on how to manage your problem. Call us on + 1-718-367-2555 to get a consultation. If you need help learning coping methods, register your information and make direct contact with our doctors at https://yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com/Doralintake. Log on to www.doralhw.org. Or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
