Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty

Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally-invasive, non-surgical treatments that can alleviate the pain caused by compression fractures of the spine. In the past, patients with painful compression fractures had the options of taking pain medications, wearing a brace, getting bed rest, or undergoing surgery, which was often ineffective. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are newer procedures that have proven safe and effective, providing approximately 85-90% of patients with rapid pain relief.

With both procedures, an interventional radiologist stabilizes a collapsed vertebra with injections of medical-grade bone cement into the spine. The cement-strengthened vertebra reduces pain and helps prevent future fractures in the surrounding vertebrae.

When performing vertebroplasty, the radiologist uses imaging guidance and contrast medium to carefully insert a hollow needle through a small incision in your skin into the collapsed vertebra. Bone cement is injected through the needle into the vertebra, where it quickly hardens. As the cement hardens, it emits heat which deadens the inflamed nerves. Each affected vertebra may require more than one injection to distribute the cement evenly.

Kyphoplasty is a refinement of the vertebroplasty procedure and can help straighten the “hunchback” sometimes caused by compression fractures. This treatment works similarly to vertebroplasty but includes an additional step. A hole is drilled into the compressed vertebra and a balloon is inserted through the hole. The balloon is then inflated to re-expand the vertebra and give it more height. The balloon is removed and the cavity it created is promptly injected with bone cement.

This page contains the following information about vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty:

Reasons for Having Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are used as an alternative to surgery to treat compression fractures when the pain caused by them cannot be relieved by other measures.

Compression fractures are typically the result of osteoporosis, but can also be caused by other conditions such as metastatic cancer.

Risks Involved in Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty

The chance of a complication from vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty is very low (less than 2%).

Potential risks include infection, worsening of pain, and neurological problems such as weakness or pain in the legs. There is also a slight possibility that the cement will leak into soft tissue or veins surrounding the vertebra, which can result in nerve pain and require additional treatment.

It is also possible that you may have a reaction to the contrast agent used during the procedure.

There is the risk of radiation exposure; however, it is well below the level that generally causes adverse affects.

Any operation that involves the spine carries the risk of damaging the spinal nerves, which can cause numbness or paralysis. This is very rare.

Conditions to Let Our Doctor Know About

In advance of your exam, let your Invision Sally Jobe radiologist or technologist know if any of the following circumstances apply to you:

Insurance Coverage

Kyphoplasty is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. Vertebroplasty was recently approved by Medicare in Colorado, when submitted to Medicare with accepted guidelines/indications.

Procedure Locations

Consultations for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are done at the RIA at Alton Way.

The procedure is performed at the following Invision Sally Jobe partner hospitals in the Denver, Colorado area:

Please note:

Invision Sally Jobe is partially owned by Radiology Imaging Associates (RIA); consequently, your radiologist’s lab coat and your bill, if you receive one, may say RIA rather than Invision Sally Jobe.

Scheduling These Procedures

To schedule a consultation to discuss vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, call 720-493-3406.

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Preparation Guidelines

Following are the general preparation guidelines for kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty. You may receive additional or differing guidelines based on your specific situation. Please contact us at 720-493-3406 if you have any questions.

What to Expect During Your Procedure

Prior to the date of the procedure, you will have to receive an MRI or a CT scan and bone scan. You will fill out paperwork and consent forms so the radiologist will know your medical history.

When you come in for the procedure, you will be asked to change into a gown. After answering any questions you have, a technologist will start an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. You will be given conscious sedation through the IV to help you relax. Then you will be positioned on your stomach so the radiologist can easily access your spine. The site of the procedure will be cleansed and given a local anesthetic.

A fluoroscope will be moved into position above the affected vertebra. A small incision (less than one centimeter) will be made over the compressed vertebra.

The radiologist will place a small tube or hollow needle through the incision and guide it to the correct position. If performing kyphoplasty, the radiologist will drill a hole in the vertebra and insert and inflate the balloon. Cement will be injected into the vertebra through a needle. After the needle and/or tube are removed, the incision will be closed with tape. The local anesthetic should prevent you from feeling anything, but be sure to tell the radiologist if you experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

The procedure takes 45-60 minutes for each compressed vertebra that is being treated. After all vertebrae have been repaired, you will remain on the table for 15-20 minutes to allow the cement time to harden. You will then be taken to a recovery area where you will be carefully monitored. Vertebroplasty patients usually go home the same day; kyphoplasty requires an overnight stay in the hospital.

Recovering from Your Procedure

Pain medication is most often not needed following the procedure. Pain, when persistent, may be alleviated with non-prescription acetaminophen. Your incisions should stay covered and dry for 24 hours. There are no restrictions on your activity after either procedure.

Some people experience immediate relief from the pain caused by their compression fractures, while others may take a couple days to feel a reduction in pain.

Additional Information

The information on this page was taken in part from some of the following web sites. Visit these sites for additional information on vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.

Sources

Additional Sites

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are performed in a hospital using a fluoroscope to take real-time images of the body during the procedure. With vertebroplasty, fractured vertebrae are strengthened with an injection of bone cement