Osteoporosis Surgery

Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to reinforce vertebrae with
compression fractures, which are common in patients with osteoporosis.
Vertebroplasty involves injecting an acrylic compound into the collapsed vertebra to
stabilize the weakened bone. The procedure is performed in an operating room or
radiology suite and treatment of each affected vertebra takes approximately 1 hour.
Local anesthesia is injected into the vertebra, a small incision is made, and a bone
biopsy needle is inserted. Several small syringes of the cementing material are then
injected through the needle into the vertebra. The cement hardens almost
immediately.
Approximately 7090 percent of patients experience pain relief after vertebroplasty
and most are released from the hospital the same day. Anti-inflammatory medicine
(e.g., Motrin) may be used to relieve pain after the procedure.
from the procedure are rare. Bone cement may enter the lung, spinal
cord, or epidural space surrounding the vertebra. Other possible complications
associated with vertebroplasty include nerve irritation, punctured lung
(pneumothorax), and spinal cord injury.
Complications

Kyphoplasty

Multiple spinal compression fractures caused by osteoporosis may lead to height

loss, kyphosis (extreme curvature of the spine), and pain. Kyphoplasty, also called
balloon kyphoplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to restore the
height of the vertebrae and stabilize weakened bone. Kyphoplasty cannot correct
established spine deformities and is used in patients who have experienced recent
fractures (within 24 months). The procedure is usually performed in the hospital
under local or general anesthesia and takes approximately 1 hour for each affected
vertebra.
In balloon kyphoplasty, a small incision is made and a fluoroscope (device that
consists of a screen and an x-ray tube) is used to guide the insertion of a balloon
catheter into the vertebra. The balloon is inflated slowly to raise the compressed
vertebra, and then is deflated. An acrylic compound (cementing material) is then
injected into the vertebra through a bone biopsy needle. The material hardens
almost immediately. Pain relief usually occurs within 2 days.

Most patients are released from the hospital the day after kyphoplasty and can
resume daily activities upon discharge. Strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting,
should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.

Kyphoplasty complications are rare and include the following:

Adverse reaction to anesthesia
Cementing material may leak into veins or the epidural space surrounding the vertebra
Nerve damage
Spinal cord injury

In a newer, minimally invasive procedure called vesselplasty, an artificial vessel

(Vessel-X) is used instead of a balloon catheter. Studies have shown that
vesselplasty reduces the risk for leaking of the cementing material. Ongoing
research and testing involving this procedure is being conducted.
- See more at: http://www.healthcommunities.com/osteoporosis/treatment-surgery.shtml#sthash.ta2YEAiF.dpuf