Compression Fractures
700,000 people adults suffer from compression fractures annually in the U.S., according to The American Journal of Medicine. Compression fractures are caused by osteoporosis, cancer-damaged vertebrae or certain spinal fractures.
Surgical treatment may be recommended if non-operative treatments fail (bed rest, pain relievers, muscle relaxants, back braces & physical therapy), patient suffers from severe or prolonged pain or immobility and/or the fractured vertebra has led to more serious complications, such as: deep vein thrombosis, acceleration of osteoporosis, respiratory problems, loss of height and emotional or social issues.
At Community Medical Center we are pleased to offer Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty to treat compression fractures. These procedures are minimally invasive outpatient surgical procedures that treat painful compression fractures in the spine.
What are the benefits of Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty
- Most are discharged the same day
- Performed under general anesthesia
- No large incisions (2 puncture sites per level)
- Most report immediate pain relief
Patient Selection
- Activity-related axial pain corresponding to level of compression fracture.
- Pain diminishes when lying down or sitting still
- Touch tender over fracture
- Patient evaluation by specialist
How does it work?
- Vertebroplasty - Cement injection into the fractured vertebral body to relieve pain.
- Kyphoplasty - Similar to vertebroplasty where special cement is injected into the vertebra, with the additional step of creating space for the treatment with a balloon-like device, which can restore a damaged vertebra’s height and may also relieve pain.
Other Treatment Options
- Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) - RFA destroys tumor cells in bone mets. Cement is injected to fill the void & maintain stability. RFA is complementary to radiation and other treatment methods.
- Fusion - Repairing the bone & joining vertebrae together after an injury.
