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Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty

(download Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty Patient Brochure in Acrobat PDF format)

PATIENT INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FROM ASITN

EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS 

DIAGNOSTIC NEURORADIOLOGY PROCEDURES

INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES

Patient Information

    Vertebroplasty is a new procedure that allows doctors to literally "cement" spinal compression fracture, relieving pain and stabilizing the back bone in people who suffer from collapsed vertebra. The procedure, is called vertebroplasty and involves injecting bone cement into fractured or collapsed vertebra of the spine. Until now, the main treatments for compressed vertebra has been pain relievers, back braces and bed rest.

The above video clip from 2001 is an interview with
Dr. Per-Lennart Westesson discussing vertebroplasty
at Strong Memorial Hospital. It aired on WOKR-TV 13.
It requires Quicktime 6 (free program) to view. /images/downloadqt.gif
  
/smd/Rad/neuroimages/vert9.jpg

 
    Vertebroplasty is a relatively simple outpatient or one over night stay procedure that offers pain relief in a significant portion of patients with painful compression fractures. During vertebroplasty, the doctor uses x-ray cameras to guide a needle into the injured vertebra. Through the needle, the doctor injects a cement-like mixture that hardens in less then one hour, sealing and stabilizing fractures and preventing further compression.

/VPIMAGES/fig1vert.jpg
/VPIMAGES/fig2vert.jpg
/VPIMAGES/fig3vert.jpg
/VPIMAGES/fig4vert.jpg
/VPIMAGES/fig5vert.jpg /VPIMAGES/fig6vert.jpg

    Early research on vertebroplasty is encouraging. In one study, approximately 70% of those who underwent the procedure reported complete or marked pain relief up to 15 months, which was the length of the follow-up study. Vertebroplasty works best on large vertebra in the mid to lower spine. Patients who have suffered recent compression fractures and have prolonged, severe pain despite several weeks of conservative therapy are good candidates. People who have compression fracture resulting from tumors of the spine or long term use of steroids may also qualify.
   Below are three images from a patient who suffered compression fractures of L1, L2, and L3. In February of 1998 he had only minimal wedging of these vertebral bodies (Fig. 1). In December 2000 he had more pain and radiograph showed compression fractures of L1, L2 and L3 (Fig. 2). These were treated with vertebroplasty (Fig. 3).

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

    Vertebroplasty is not intended for treatment of other back problems such as herniated disks.

    For additional information visit the American Society of Interventional & Therapeutic Neuroradiology (ASITN) web site at http://www.asitn.org/html/vertebroplasty.html, and http://www.vertebroplastycd.com/home.htm

Kyphoplasty

download Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty Patient Brochure in Acrobat PDF format)

/smd/Rad/neuroimages/kyphoa.jpg
/smd/Rad/neuroimages/kyphob.jpg
Before and after reduction of vertebral body compression fracture

   Kyphoplasty is similar to vertebroplasty. The technique entails cement injection into the fractured vertebral body. The difference between kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty is that kyphoplasty entails the use of a balloon to expand the compressed vertebral body before cement is injected. The theory behind this is that the balloon would reduce the fracture and improve the patient's stature.

   For more information see

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If interested in these procedures call the Division of Neuroradiology.

P-L Westesson, M.D., Ph.D., D.D.S.
Department of Radiology - PO Box 648
University of Rochester Medical Center
601 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14642-8648
Telephone: (585) 275-1839
Fax:          (585) 473-4861
e-mail:       perlennart_westesson@urmc.rochester.edu

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q:

Why do I have a compression fracture?

A:

In the situation where the underlying bone is weakened by osteoporoisis only a mild trauma can cause a compression fracture.

Q:

How is a vertebral body compression fracture diagnosed?

A:

The fractures are usually seen on x-rays. To determine the age of a fracture, MRI and/or bone scan may be necessary.

Q:

How effective is vertebroplasty?

A:

With good patient selection and good technique about 90% of the patients will experience a significant pain relief within the first few days after the procedure.

Q:

How long does the procedure take?

A:

Vertebroplasty is done as an outpatient procedure and takes approximately 2 hours.

Q:

How long does it take before a result can be expected?

A:

Most patients experience pain relief within the first 48 hours. This gradually improves over the next few weeks.

Q:

What are the indications for vertebroplasty?

A:

Painful compression fracture which is not healing on its own.

Q:

Do I have to be put to sleep?

A:

No, the procedure is done under local anesthesia with light sedation.

Q:

What is the recovery time?

A:

It is an outpatient procedure and the patient can be sent home the same day.
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