Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are operations for treating painful vertebral compression fractures, which are typical complications of osteoporosis. Small cracks in the dense mass of bone that makes up the front part of the spinal column (the vertebral body) are treated with kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty. Vertebral body fractures cause a vertebra to collapse or compress, shortening and curving the spine forward, resulting in pain and a kyphotic (hunched-over) deformity. Apart from osteoporosis, pathologic fractures resulting from spinal tumors could also damage the vertebrae.
Around 75% of patients regain lost mobility within 48 hours of the procedure and become more active after vertebroplasty. ##Disclaimer## The content provided on Docplexus is intended for educational purposes only. While we strive to ensure its accuracy, we make no warranties, explicit or implied, about the…
