It is effective in compression fractures of vertebra and in cases where the height of vertebra trunk is decreased. It is a minimally invasive technique and aims to strengthen the vertebra bone.
Vertebra haemangiomas can be very big and, in such cases, vertebroplasty can be performed not only to strengthen the bone but also to directly embolise the angioma.
How is Vertebroplasty Applied?
Vertebroplasty is performed in the operation room under sedation and prophylactic antibiotics are prescribed before the intervention. The target back or lumbar area is monitored by scopy and the site of mechanical access is determined. Under local anaesthesia a small incision is made and the vertebroplasty needle is moved towards the bone. Then the needle enters in the cortex. The cement is mixed with barium sulphate and this radio opaque toothpaste-like cement is injected by the control of scopy.
Precautions To Be Taken Before The Vertebroplasty Surgery
- The patient should have no infection
- Anticoagulants (aspirin, plavix, coumadin etc.) should be abstained appropriately with the approval of the physician.
- There should be 4-6 hours fasting before the intervention.
Which Patients Can Benefit From Vertebroplasty?
- Compression fractures due to osteoporosis.
- Vertebra fractures due to cancer metastasis.
- Vertebra angiomas.
What Are The Risks of Vertebroplasty?
Like every intervention, vertebroplasty has some risks such as pulmonary emboly, paralysis, fracture, and pain.