Understanding the Differences Between Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: A Comparison of Spinal Procedures
Back pain has become a pervasive issue, with spinal fractures often contributing to debilitating discomfort. When traditional treatments fail to provide relief, minimally invasive spine procedures like vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty emerge as potential solutions. While these procedures share the goal of alleviating spinal pain, they differ significantly in their approach.
This comparison of vertebroplasty vs kyphoplasty will shed light on their unique approaches, benefits, and potential risks, that can support you in making an informed decision about your spinal health.
When conservative treatments don’t seem to be effective in providing relief, minimally invasive procedures like vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty offer hope. These procedures mostly differ in their approaches but share the goal of restoring comfort and function to the spine. Dr Martin Liner is a skilled specialist who offers both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, providing tailored solutions for patients suffering from spinal fractures and related pain.
Vertebroplasty vs Kyphoplasty – The Concept
Vertebroplasty
If you suffer from pain or immobility due to mild compression fractures, vertebroplasty might be the ideal solution for you. This procedure, simpler than its counterpart, kyphoplasty, focuses on sealing fractures and stabilising bones without restoring the height of the fractured vertebrae.
Dr Martin Liner begins by conducting X-rays and other imaging studies to accurately locate your compression fractures. Once the sedation medication and general anaesthetics are administered to numb any pain, you will lie prone on the treatment table. Our doctor then inserts a hollow needle into the affected vertebra, using fluoroscopic guidance to ensure precision. Through this needle, he carefully injects a special cement into the fracture to seal and stabilise it. Multiple injections may be necessary to completely fill the empty spaces.
Vertebroplasty effectively stabilises the vertebrae, allowing you to move comfortably and pain-free more or less directly after the surgery. However, because it doesn’t restore the height of a collapsed vertebra, it is best suited for simple fractures.
Kyphoplasty
On the day of your surgery, you will be administered with general anaesthesia. During the kyphoplasty procedure, you will lie on your stomach. Your surgeon will insert a hollow needle, known as a trocar, through your skin into the affected spinal bone. A type of X-ray called fluoroscopy will guide the trocar to the correct position.
Once the trocar is in place, our surgeon will insert an inflatable, balloon-like device into your vertebra through the trocar. As the balloon inflates, it restores vertebral height and creates space for the injection of bone cement. This cement helps to stabilise the bone and prevent further collapse.
Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures take about half an hour per treated vertebra. You might need to wait a few hours before returning home. Initial recovery typically finishes within a few days.
Vertebroplasty vs Kyphoplasty - Other noteworthy comparing points
Purpose:
Vertebroplasty: Primarily aims to stabilise fractured vertebrae and alleviate pain without restoring the original height of the vertebra.
Kyphoplasty: In addition to stabilising the vertebrae and reducing pain, this spinal fracture surgery also aims to restore the height of the collapsed vertebra by using a balloon to create space before cement injection.
Indications:
Vertebroplasty: Best suited for simple compression fractures where vertebral height restoration is not necessary.
Kyphoplasty: Preferred for more severe fractures that result in significant vertebral height loss and spinal deformity.
Efficacy:
Vertebroplasty: This broken back surgery is ideal for stabilising the vertebra and relieving pain, but it does not address vertebral height loss.
Kyphoplasty: Effective in stabilising the vertebra, relieving pain, and restoring vertebral height, which can improve spinal alignment and posture.
Compared to conservative treatment, both of these procedures can save the patients several weeks of taking painkillers and wearing of orthosis. The risks are low and complications extremely rare, that’s why these are good alternatives to conservative treatment.
Risks and Complications:
Vertebroplasty:
- Potential for cement leakage outside the vertebral body.
- Possible complications include infection, bleeding, and increased pain in the surgical site.
Kyphoplasty:
- Slightly higher risk of cement leakage due to the creation of a cavity, but it is generally considered safe.
- Similar risks as vertebroplasty, including infection, bleeding, and increased pain.
Cost:
Vertebroplasty: Generally less expensive due to the simpler procedure and absence of the balloon device.
Kyphoplasty: Typically more expensive due to the additional step of balloon inflation and the equipment used.
Patient Selection:
Vertebroplasty: Ideal for patients with mild to moderate compression fractures who do not require height restoration.
Kyphoplasty: Suitable for patients with severe compression fractures and significant vertebral collapse, needing both stabilisation and height restoration.
Vertebroplasty vs Kyphoplasty? Get to know which one is better for you!
Consult Dr Martin Liner
Deciding between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty can be challenging. Both these procedures of spine surgery in Dubai offer effective solutions, but their methods and outcomes differ. Also, the choice depends on the severity of the fracture and the specific needs of the patient.
To determine the best treatment option for your specific condition, it’s essential to consult with a qualified spine specialist. However, Dr Martin Liner’s expertise in these procedures can provide valuable insights and guide you towards the most suitable treatment plan for your back pain to ensure optimal outcomes for your spinal health.
Schedule a consultation today!
