Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive surgical technique that has been developed by experts in Neurosurgery for the treatment of various vertebral diseases and is particularly effective in relieving pain associated with osteoporotic fractures.
Vertebroplasty procedure
This technique involves the injection of a special type of surgical cement through a precision puncture under fluoroscopic guidance. After administering local anesthesia, a needle is introduced into the fracture site and the cement is injected in a controlled manner. Once the cement sets within minutes, the fracture is consolidated.
Indications for vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is indicated primarily for osteoporotic compression fractures, although there are also other indications such as vertebral metastases that destroy the vertebral bone, multiple myeloma and other processes.
Risks of vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is a very safe procedure, although it is true that, like all effective medical interventions, there is the possibility of some adverse effects. In the case of vertebroplasty, the few complications described are related to leakage of surgical cement into unwanted areas.
Vertebroplasty Recovery
Vertebroplasty is a procedure performed under local anesthesia, so it does not require hospitalization and its beneficial effects are usually experienced within the first few hours.
The main care that the patient must take when undergoing vertebroplasty is the prevention of new fractures or vertebral lesions. An osteoporotic vertebral fracture is indicative of a fragile spine and therefore, measures should be taken to prevent falls and other accidents.