Vertebroplasty And Kyphoplasty – Which One Is Right For You?

Your vertebrae absorb a lot of stress each and every day, but if the amount of stress on your spinal column ever becomes too much, it can lead to a vertebral fracture. When a vertebral segment collapses due to acute stress, this is known as a compression fracture, and it’s one of the more common acute injuries that we see from high-energy traumas like car accidents and athletic collisions.

Depending on the location and severity of your compression fracture, it’s certainly possible that your vertebra will eventually heal on its own with the help of conservative techniques. However, if you have a more complex fracture or non-operative care isn’t producing the results you had hoped for, a surgical procedure may be in your future. Oftentimes these compression fractures are treated with either a vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty procedure. In today’s blog, we compare and contrast the two procedures to see which one is right for you.

Vertebroplasty Vs. Kyphoplasty

When talking about surgical management of a vertebral compression fracture, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are oftentimes both discussed. Unlike other spinal procedures where you may be considering two very different procedures, like a spinal fusion or an artificial disc replacement, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are very similar in nature with a few slight differences. Here’s a closer look at each:

• Vertebroplasty – A vertebroplasty procedure is typically considered the simpler of the two operations, and it tends to be a better option for more mild compression fractures. During the procedure, you will be sedated and in a prone position on the operating table. Your doctor will then use fluoroscopic guidance to carefully direct a thin and hollow needle into the fractured vertebral section. Once in position, a special bone cement is inserted through the needle into the area. Much like a concrete repair kit for your driveway, the bone cement fills in the cracks and hardens, making it easier for the vertebrae to heal into one solid and stable bone section.
• Kyphoplasty – A kyphoplasty operation is very similar to a vertebroplasty, but it tends to be reserved for more severe fractures because there is an extra step involved. Prior to the insertion of the bone cement, your doctor will insert a specialized balloon into the vertebral space. The balloon is then inflated, which helps to restore the natural height of the compressed and collapsed vertebra. This balloon effectively creates a stable cavity within the vertebrae while also restoring the bone to a more original shape. This new cavity is then filled with bone cement, adding height, volume and stability to your spinal column.

Both procedures can be carried out in about an hour per vertebra, and it’s possible that you will be discharged home the same day or the day after the procedure. You will want to follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions while the bone cement is still hardening, but many patients are back to normal physical activities after just six weeks.

If you have suffered a traumatic vertebral fracture due to acute stress, or a compression fracture has developed due in part to osteoporosis-related bone weakening in your spinal column, reach out to a spine specialist to learn more about the right treatment option for you. In Minnesota, we hope you’ll connect with Dr. Todd Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.