Vertebroplasty Surgery in Delhi, India

Vertebroplasty is the procedure of injecting special bone cement into fractured vertebrae to relieve spinal pain. It is an outpatient procedure, which means the patient can expect to go home on the same day the surgery takes place.

Compression fractures in the spine often occur because of osteoporosis, leaving them cracked or broken. The injected cement stabilizes such fractures on hardening and provides the spine with much-needed support.

This procedure helps relieve back pain and increases mobility.

Alternate Name of Vertebroplasty Surgery

Scientific name: Percutaneous vertebroplasty

Alternate name: percutaneous vertebral augmentation

Body Location

Vertebrae of the spinal cord

Vertebroplasty Procedure Type

Minimally invasive, percutaneous vertebroplasty

Preparation for Vertebroplasty Surgery

Here are a few things to remember before surgery:

• No food or drink is allowed less than 6 hours before the procedure.
• A small amount of water may be allowed up to 2 hours before the surgery.
• The doctor checks an X-ray along with the patient’s complete medical history. Apart from this, the doctor conducts a physical exam to ascertain the exact location and the nature of the pain.
• An MRI or CT scan may also be requested, depending on the nature of the diagnosis.
• Based on the patient’s medical history, certain medications will be discontinued or have their dosages adjusted before the surgery.
• A history of bleeding disorders and blood-thinning medications, aspirin, or blood clotting medications, need to be specially mentioned to the consulting physician.
• Avoid or reduce tobacco or alcohol consumption habits as they will affect bone healing once the surgery is completed.

Vertebroplasty Surgery Procedure

During the surgery, the patient is sedated and is laid face down for the surgery. In case of severe pain, general anesthesia is administered during the surgery.

With the help of a continuous X-ray guidance, the doctor guides a biopsy needle at a certain angle to reach deep within the vertebral body position of the needle is confirmed with the help of X-rays.

Bone cement of low-viscosity (PMMA) is slowly injected into the fractured vertebra and spread around the weakened portion. Depending on how fast the cement enters and spreads, a second injection may or may not be required to fill it entirely.

As the cement hardens, it creates an internal cast on the inside of the damaged vertebra and stabilizes it. The hardening of the cement takes 5-10 minutes depending on the cement used, after which the same is repeated on the other side of the vertebral body.

The punctured skin is covered by a bandage once the surgery is completed.

Recovery After Vertebroplasty Surgery

The patient can mobilize and continue daily activities at home with the help of brace. Though walking won’t be an issue, it can be avoided during this time.

On completing the first 24 hours without any complications, the patient can resume their daily activities slowly.

Strenuous exercises and heavy lifting must be avoided for a minimum of 6 weeks from the surgery.

Slip-on shoes are the patient’s best friend during this time. Bending to tie their shoes can be easily dodged and provide relief.

Follow-up After Vertebroplasty Surgery

After the surgery is completed, the patient is kept under observation for 1-2 hours.

Patients are required to lie on their backs during this time after surgery before trying to attempt any movement. This period will give the cement time to harden.

Sometimes, the patient experiences immediate relief after the surgery. However, it may also take up to 72 hours after the surgery.

The doctor can prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate brief discomfort.

A back brace may be prescribed to assist with regular movements for a while. Usually, it is not required.

Before discharge, the doctor will check for possible complications and assess the patient’s pain before letting them leave the hospital.

As it is an outpatient surgery, the patient is most likely to leave the hospital on the same day as the surgery.

The needle wound can be iced in case the pain persists.

Risks Associated with Vertebroplasty Surgery

Spinal surgeries come with certain risks. They include:

• Loss of blood
• Infections
• Blood clots
• Allergic reactions to medicines
• Nerve root irritation or injuries
• Leakage out of cement before it hardens

This minimally invasive surgery ensures less pain and increased mobility, allowing the patient to enjoy a better quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty painful?

Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty procedures are generally not very painful, as they are performed under local anesthesia or sedation. Patients may experience some discomfort or soreness at the injection site afterwards, but it is usually manageable with pain medication and improves over time.

2. How effective is kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty?

Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are effective in providing pain relief and stabilizing fractured vertebrae in many patients, but their long-term effectiveness can vary. They are typically more effective in treating acute fractures compared to chronic ones.

3. Is vertebroplasty a major surgery, and how does it work?

Vertebroplasty is not considered a major surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure and day care procedure.. During vertebroplasty, a doctor injects a special cement-like material into a fractured vertebra to stabilise it and relieve pain. This helps the vertebrae heal and regain strength.

4. Are you put to sleep for vertebroplasty?

No, during vertebroplasty, you are typically not put to sleep. The procedure is often done under local anaesthesia or conscious sedation to numb the area and make you comfortable, but you remain awake.

5. Is vertebroplasty safe for the elderly?

Vertebroplasty can be safe for elderly patients, but the decision should be made on an individual basis after considering the patient's overall health and the specific circumstances of their spine fracture.