Service Image
Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty

Spinal fractures can significantly lower quality of life, cause excruciating pain, and impair mobility. Trauma, tumours that weaken the bone structure, and osteoporosis are some of the most frequent causes of these fractures. Traditional therapies like bracing, painkillers, or rest may not be sufficient for many patients. In these situations, Dr. Bhupendra Pratap Bharti often recommends vertebroplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that can significantly lessen pain and restore spinal stability.

With its short recovery time, low surgical risk, and long-term advantages for patients with vertebral compression fractures, vertebroplasty has emerged as a key technique in contemporary spine care.

Comprehending Vertebroplasty

Medical-grade bone cement is injected into a fractured vertebra during a vertebroplasty, a percutaneous (through the skin) procedure. Within minutes, the cement solidifies, stabilizing the broken bone and halting further deterioration. The procedure restores spinal support and lessens pain by strengthening the vertebra.

For many patients, vertebroplasty is a safer and less invasive option than traditional surgery because it only involves a tiny puncture as opposed to a large incision.

Vertebroplasty-Treated Conditions

The most common reason this procedure is advised is for osteoporotic compression fractures, which occur when weak bones give way under typical stress. Dr. Bhupendra Pratap Bharti highlights that timely intervention in such cases can prevent further complications and help patients regain mobility faster.

  • Traumatic Vertebral Fractures: fractures brought on by an accident or injury.
  • Pathological Fractures: these are brought on by cancer or tumors that spread to the spine.
  • Persistent Pain: this occurs when traditional therapies are ineffective.

Signs That Could Indicate Vertebroplasty

Following a vertebroplasty, patients frequently experience:

  • Severe, localized back pain that gets worse with movement
  • Pain that makes it difficult to stand or walk
  • Limited mobility and decreased ability to perform daily tasks.
  • In cases of advanced fractures, spinal deformities like kyphosis

Vertebroplasty frequently results in a quick improvement in these symptoms by stabilizing the fractured vertebra.

Procedure and Recovery

Although general anaesthesia may be used in certain situations, vertebroplasty is typically carried out as a day-care or short-stay procedure under local anaesthesia with sedation. The actions consist of:

  1. Preparation: Sterilize the skin and place the patient face down.
  2. Needle Placement: A tiny needle is inserted into the fractured vertebra under the guidance of a fluoroscopic (X-ray) image.
  3. Cement Injection: To fill in the gaps and fissures inside the vertebra, bone cement is carefully injected.
  4. Stabilization: The bone is stabilized by the cement's rapid hardening.

Most patients are able to walk within a few hours of the procedure being finished, and it typically takes less than an hour in total.

Following a vertebroplasty, recovery is usually quick. Many patients report feeling less pain in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Resuming light activities in a day or two and gradually returning to normal mobility are important components of recovery. Also:

  • Physiotherapy to support the spine and strengthen muscles
  • Lifestyle changes like fall prevention, posture correction, and bone health management (particularly for patients with osteoporosis)

Vertebroplasty's Advantages

Vertebroplasty has a number of important benefits.

  • Minimally Invasive: no large incisions, less blood loss, and fewer surgical risks
  • Rapid Pain Relief: frequently within hours to days
  • Improved Mobility: Patients can resume daily activities and move more freely
  • Prevention of Further Deformity: stabilizing the fractured bone stops the spinal curvature from getting worse.
  • Short hospital stay: a lot of patients leave the same day.

Hazards and Things to Think About

Vertebroplasty is generally safe, but there are some possible risks, such as:

  • Leakage of cement outside the vertebra
  • Bleeding or infection
  • Rare nerve damage or embolism

When a skilled spine surgeon performs the procedure under exact imaging guidance, these risks are reduced.

The Value of Prompt Treatment

Reduced independence, chronic pain, and worsening spinal deformity can result from postponing treatment of vertebral fractures. By restoring spinal stability at an early stage, vertebroplasty not only reduces pain but also helps avoid long-term issues.

Professional Spine Treatment Using Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty, which combines quick recovery with long-lasting advantages, is a noteworthy development in minimally invasive spine surgery. Patients whose lives are disturbed by excruciating vertebral compression fractures will find it especially helpful.

Dr. Bhupendra Pratap Bharti provides vertebroplasty with accuracy, safety, and compassion, having vast experience in spinal interventions. In addition to providing pain relief, his patient-centred approach guarantees a long-term plan for spinal health and an enhanced quality of life.