Preparing for Vertebroplasty? Here’s What You Should Know

Vertebral fractures are not only painful and debilitating in the short term, but they can also cause lasting damage to your spine and chronic disability. To restore functionality, fractures must be reinforced so your vertebrae can continue to bear weight. Vertebroplasty is a good way to accomplish this without invasive surgery. 

At The Spine and Sports Center in Sugarland and Houston, Texas, board-certified physiatrist and spine specialist Dr. Benoy Benny evaluates your spinal condition and lets you know if this highly effective and minimally invasive procedure can work for you.

When vertebroplasty is necessary 

If you’ve recently suffered vertebrae damage caused by an accident or compression fracture, it’s important that you have your injury evaluated by a spinal specialist. While many cases simply require bed rest and physical therapy, just as many severe fractures fly under the radar. 

Left untreated, a fractured spine can lead to numerous health complications, including:

• Chronic pain 
• Changes to your posture 
• Nerve damage (tingling and numbness)
• Height loss as your vertebrae collapse 

Severe damage and compression of your vertebrae and spinal nerves can sometimes cause you to lose control of your bladder and eventually, your bowels. To avoid complications like these, Dr. Benny and his team at The Spine and Sports Center might suggest surgical solutions to stabilize your spine. 

What to expect during your vertebroplasty

Once scans of your broken vertebrae have been taken, you might be recommended for vertebroplasty. This minor surgery is designed to fortify fractured vertebrae by repairing them with bone cement. It’s considered a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it only requires a small incision or entry point. 

During vertebroplasty, your surgeon uses X-ray imaging guidance and a hollow needle known as a cannula to inject the cement. This cement, known as PMMA, hardens in about ten minutes, creating an internal cast that seals together your broken vertebrae and supports your spine. 

You might be asked to lie down for a little while following the procedure, and a friend or family member will need to drive you home. Being minimally invasive, vertebroplasty shouldn’t require a lengthy recovery, but you should plan some downtime for your own comfort. 

While vertebroplasty can help with back pain and increase stability, it can’t treat the cause of your compression fracture. Falls and accidents can be avoided, but if you have low bone density caused by osteoporosis, you’ll need additional treatment to avoid fractures in the future. 

To learn more about spinal fractures, vertebroplasty, and back pain, schedule a consultation by calling our location closest to you or booking an appointment online today.