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Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive surgical procedures used to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), which are fractures that occur in the vertebrae of the spine. These fractures are commonly caused by osteoporosis, cancer, or trauma. In vertebroplasty, bone cement (usually polymethylmethacrylate) is injected directly into the fractured vertebra. This cement hardens, stabilizing the fractured bone and providing structural support. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance.

Kypho is similar to vertebroplasty but involves an extra step. In kyphoplasty, a balloon- like device called a bone tamp is first inserted into the fractured vertebra and inflated to create a cavity or space within the bone. Once the space is created, the balloon is deflated and removed, and bone cement is injected into the cavity. This helps to restore the height of the collapsed vertebra and reduce spinal deformity.

Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are typically performed as outpatient procedures and are associated with quick recovery times. They are aimed at relieving pain, stabilizing the spine, and improving the patient's overall quality of life. These procedures are often considered when conservative treatments such as pain medications, rest, and physical therapy fail to provide adequate relief for VCF-related symptoms.

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are required primarily to address vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) and their associated symptoms. These fractures can be caused by osteoporosis, cancer, or trauma, and they often result in severe back pain, limited mobility, spinal deformity, and reduced quality of life.

The procedures are performed to achieve several goals:

• Pain relief: VCFs can cause severe and debilitating pain due to the collapse of the vertebra and the resulting pressure on surrounding nerves and tissues. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty help relieve this pain by stabilizing the fractured vertebra and reducing pressure on the nerves.

• Stabilization: Fractured vertebrae can compromise the structural integrity of the spine, leading to instability and increasing the risk of further fractures. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty stabilize the affected vertebrae by supporting them with bone cement, reducing the risk of further collapse and instability.

• Restoration of vertebral height and alignment: Kyphoplasty aims to restore the height of collapsed vertebrae and correct spinal deformities caused by VCFs. By inflating a balloon within the fractured vertebra to create space before injecting bone cement, kyphoplasty helps restore vertebral height and alignment, which can improve posture and overall spinal function.

• Improvement in quality of life: Chronic pain and spinal deformity resulting from VCFs can significantly impair a person's daily activities and overall well-being. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty offer the potential for significant pain relief, improved mobility, and enhanced quality of life for individuals suffering from VCF- related symptoms.

Overall, these procedures are required to effectively manage the symptoms and complications associated with vertebral compression fractures, with the ultimate goal of restoring function and improving the patient's quality of life.

The right candidates for vertebraeplasty and kyphoplasty typically include individuals who:

• Have symptomatic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) that are not adequately relieved by conservative treatments such as pain medications, rest, or physiotherapy.

• Experience severe and constant back pain that significantly impairs their daily activities and quality of life.

• Have evidence of vertebral collapse or deformity on imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scan

• Have fractures caused by osteoporosis, cancer, or trauma.

Candidates need to undergo a thorough evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon who is experienced in managing spinal conditions to determine the suitability of these procedures. The decision to proceed with vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual's overall health status, the severity of symptoms, and the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

To prepare for vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, it's important to follow these general guidelines:

• Consultation and evaluation: Schedule a consultation with an orthopedic doctor who will perform the procedure. During this appointment, discuss your medical history, current medications, allergies, and any concerns you may have. Your surgeon will perform a physical examination and may order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to assess the extent of the vertebral compression fracture (VCF) and plan the procedure accordingly.

• Pre-Procedure testing: Depending on your overall health status and the planned procedure, your surgeon may order pre-procedure testing, such as blood tests or an electrocardiogram (ECG), to ensure that you are medically fit for the procedure.

• Medication review: Inform your orthopedic specialist about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Certain medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding complications. Follow their instructions regarding medication management.

• Fasting: Your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding fasting before the procedure. Generally, you will be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything for a certain period before your surgery. This helps reduce the risk of complications during anesthesia and ensures an empty stomach.

• Lifestyle modifications: Follow any additional instructions provided by your surgeon regarding lifestyle modifications before the procedure. This may include temporarily discontinuing certain activities or making adjustments to your daily routine to minimize discomfort and optimize healing.

By following these preparation steps and closely adhering to your surgeon's instructions, you can help ensure a smooth and successful vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty procedure.

Here's an overview of how kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty procedures are typically performed:

Vertebroplasty:

• The patient is positioned face-down on the operating table, typically under local anesthesia or conscious sedation. However, in some cases, general anesthesia may be administered.

• Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging), the surgeon identifies the fractured vertebra.

• A small incision is made in the skin overlying the fractured vertebra.

• A needle is then inserted through the skin and advanced into the fractured vertebra under fluoroscopic guidance.

• Bone cement is injected through the needle into the fractured vertebra, filling the voids and stabilizing the bone.

• Once the cement is injected, the needle is removed, and pressure is applied to the skin to prevent bleeding.

• The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour per vertebra treated, depending on the complexity of the fracture and the number of vertebrae involved.

Kyphoplasty:

• The patient is positioned similarly to vertebroplasty, usually under local or general anesthesia.

• A small incision is made in the skin, and a narrow tube called a trocar is inserted into the fractured vertebra under fluoroscopic guidance.

• A small balloon-like device called a bone tamp is then inserted through the trocar and inflated inside the fractured vertebra.

• Inflating the balloon creates a cavity or space within the vertebra, helping to restore its height and alignment.

• Once the desired height is achieved, the balloon is deflated and removed, leaving behind the cavity.

• Bone cement is then injected into the cavity through the trocar, filling the space and stabilizing the fractured vertebra.

• After the cement is injected, the trocar is removed, and pressure is applied to the skin to prevent bleeding.

• Kyphoplasty generally takes slightly longer than vertebroplasty due to the additional step of inflating the balloon.

The advantages of vertebraeplasty and kyphoplasty surgery include:

• Pain relief: Provides rapid and significant relief from vertebral compression fracture-related pain.

• Minimally invasive: Involves small incisions and less tissue damage compared to traditional open surgeries.

• Improved mobility: Restores vertebral height and alignment, enhancing spinal stability and mobility.

• Quick recovery: Typically performed as outpatient procedures with short recovery times.

• Reduced need for pain medications: Alleviates the need for long-term use of pain medications, reducing potential side effects and dependence.

• Stabilization of fractured vertebrae: Reinforces the fractured vertebrae with bone cement, reducing the risk of further collapse or deformity.

• Enhanced quality of life: Enables patients to resume normal activities and improve their overall quality of life by relieving pain and restoring function.

• Low complication rates: Generally associated with minimal complications when performed by experienced surgeons.

• Suitable for high-risk patients: This can be performed safely in elderly patients or those with significant medical comorbidities who may not tolerate more invasive surgical procedures.

• Long-lasting results: Provides durable pain relief and spinal stability, with many patients experiencing sustained benefits over time.

After vertebroplasty/ kyphoplasty surgery, patients can expect:

• Immediate relief: Many patients experience immediate relief from the severe pain associated with vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) following the procedure.

• Rest and activity restrictions: Patients are often advised to take it easy and avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or bending at the waist for a certain period following the procedure. This allows time for the bone cement to fully harden and stabilize the fractured vertebrae.

• Discomfort or soreness: You may experience discomfort or soreness at the incision site. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage any kind of post- surgery discomfort.

• Long-term outcomes: Many patients experience long-lasting pain relief and improved function following vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. However, it's important to maintain regular follow-up appointments and adhere to any recommendations for ongoing care or physiotherapy to optimize long-term outcomes.

Overall, the recovery process after vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty surgery is typically relatively quick, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved function shortly after the kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty procedure. However, individual recovery experiences may vary, so it's important to follow your surgeon's instructions and communicate any concerns during the recovery period.

After undergoing vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty surgery, it's important to follow post- operative care instructions provided by your surgeon to optimize recovery and minimize the risk of complications. Here are some general care guidelines:

• Activity restrictions:

  • Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or bending forward for a certain period, generally a few days to weeks, as advised by your surgeon.

  • Gradually increase activity levels as tolerated, but listen to your body and avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort.

• Pain management:

  • Take prescribed pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs as directed by your surgeon to manage post-operative discomfort.

  • Use ice packs or over-the-counter pain relief creams as recommended to reduce swelling and pain at the incision site.

• Incision care:

  • Keep the incision site clean and dry to prevent the possibility of infection. Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding wound care and dressing changes.

  • Monitor the incision site for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage, and report any concerns to your surgeon promptly.

• Nutrition and hydration:

  • Maintain a healthy diet rich in nutrients to support the healing process and promote bone health.

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, unless otherwise advised by your surgeon.

• Follow-up appointments:

  • Follow up with your surgeon to monitor your recovery progress and assess the effectiveness of the procedure.

  • Follow-up imaging tests, such as X-rays, may be performed to evaluate the placement of the bone cement and the healing process.

• Mobility aids:

  • If needed, use assistive devices such as a walker or cane to aid mobility during the initial recovery period.

  • Gradually transition back to regular activities of daily living as tolerated, but avoid overexertion or activities that place strain on the spine.

• Medication management:

  • Continue taking any prescribed medications as directed by your surgeon, including medications for underlying medical conditions or osteoporosis.

  • Inform your surgeon of any new or worsening symptoms, medication side effects, or concerns that arise during your recovery.

• Lifestyle modifications:

  • Follow any additional post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon regarding lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes or modifications to your exercise routine.

By following these post-operative care guidelines and maintaining open communication with your surgeon, you can help ensure a smooth recovery and optimize the long-term success of your vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty surgery.

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are generally safe procedures, but like any surgical intervention, they carry some risks and potential complications. These may include:

• Infection: There is a risk of developing a post-operative infection at the incision site or within the treated vertebra.

• Bleeding: While rare, excessive bleeding can occur during or after the procedure, particularly in patients taking blood-thinning medications.

• Nerve injury: There is a small risk of nerve damage during the insertion of needles or other instruments, which can lead to neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness.

• Cement leakage: The bone cement used in vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty can sometimes leak out of the vertebral body and into surrounding tissues, potentially causing nerve irritation or damage.

• Allergic reaction: Although rare, some patients may experience an allergic reaction to the materials used during the procedure, such as bone cement.

• Pulmonary embolism: In rare cases, a small amount of bone cement may enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening.

• Fracture of adjacent vertebrae: There is a slight risk of developing new fractures in vertebrae adjacent to those treated with vertebroplasty or kypho, although this risk is generally low.

• Failure to relieve symptoms: While vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are effective in relieving pain for most patients, some individuals may not experience significant improvement in symptoms or may require additional treatment.

• Other complications: Additional rare complications may include allergic reactions to anesthesia, damage to blood vessels, or complications related to pre-existing medical conditions.

Factors affecting the cost of vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty surgery include:

• The geographic location of the Hospital

• Surgeon's fees

• Anesthesia fees

• Imaging and diagnostic tests

• Equipment and implant cost

• Post-operative care

• Insurance coverage

• Additional procedures or complications

Miracles Apollo Cradle/Spectra is the best orthopedic hospital in Gurgaon, well-known for vertebroplasty/ kyphoplasty Surgery. We boast a team of highly skilled orthopedic surgeons in Gurgaon with extensive experience in performing minimally invasive spine surgeries. Their expertise ensures the highest standards of care and optimal surgical outcomes. The hospital is equipped with advanced medical technology and state-of-the- art surgical facilities necessary for performing complex spine surgeries like vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. These modern amenities enable precise diagnosis, planning, and execution of surgical procedures, contributing to improved patient safety and comfort. From pre-operative evaluation to post-operative rehabilitation, patients receive individualized attention and support at every step of their treatment journey.

Schedule a consultation with our expert orthopedic doctors near you at Miracles Apollo Cradle/Spectra Hospital, Gurgaon for vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty surgery. Experience advanced care and optimal outcomes for your spine condition.