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Vertebroplasty | Kyphoplasty

What is Vertebroplasty | Kyphoplasty?

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive spine procedures designed to treat the pain and other symptoms of vertebral compression fractures. Vertebral compression fractures (compression fractures of the spine) most often are caused by osteoporosis, which is a weakening of the bones.

The procedures are almost always done on an outpatient basis. Patients are numbed with local anesthetic, and conscious sedation is used to keep the patient relaxed and comfortable.

In vertebroplasty:

In kyphoplasty:

Recovery is fairly simple with no bracing and minimal limitations.

What is the difference between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty?

During kyphoplasty, prior to the cement being injected, a small balloon is placed through the needle into the vertebral body. Once in the vertebra, the balloon is inflated to create a small cavity within the vertebra. This cavity is then filled with cement. Your physician will determine which procedure is necessary.

Overview of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty

Here’s what to expect during vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty procedure:

Preparing for vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty

After the procedure

You may experience an increase in pain for up to two weeks after the procedure. This discomfort should gradually disappear as you heal. After the procedure soreness is gone and you begin to resume normal activity, you will be able to evaluate any improvement in your pain. Your pain relief benefits from vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty may be not fully known until four weeks after the procedure.

Potential risks of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty

Vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty is a relatively safe, minimally invasive procedure. The risks associated with the procedure include:

If your procedure includes sedation

Summit Orthopedics offers comprehensive spine expertise

Summit’s spine care team is recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for the comprehensive expertise of our patient-centered care. Our back specialists diagnose spine problems and design custom treatment plans built on a conservative, nonsurgical approach. Most patients find relief through treatments including guided injections, specialized physical therapy, biofeedback, exercise, activity modification, and medication. When conservative care does not relieve symptoms, our highly skilled surgeons offer proven, evidence-based surgical options. Together with you, we will determine the right course of action.

Start your journey to a healthy spine. Find your spine expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a spine consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MNVadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.

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