Imaging in Interventional Radiology Open Access

Vertebroplasty: A Beacon of Hope for Spinal Fractures

Esaku Shine^* Department of Anatomy, University of London, UK
^*Correspondence: Esaku Shine, Department of Anatomy, University of London, UK, Email:

Received: 31-May-2023, Manuscript No. IPJIIR-23-17523 ; Editor assigned: 02-Jun-2023, Pre QC No. IPJIIR-23-17523 (PQ); Reviewed: 16-Jun-2023, QC No. IPJIIR-23-17523 ; Revised: 21-Jun-2023, Manuscript No. IPJIIR-23-17523 (PQ); Published: 28-Jun-2023, DOI: 10.21767/2471-8564.6.2.13

Description

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive medical procedure that has emerged as a valuable technique for treating vertebral fractures, particularly those caused by osteoporosis or other bone-weakening conditions. This innovative procedure involves the injection of bone cement into fractured vertebrae to stabilize and strengthen them, providing relief from pain and restoring mobility. Vertebral fractures can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, and vertebroplasty offers an effective solution to mitigate pain, enhance spinal stability, and promote overall spinal health. Vertebral fractures occur when one or more vertebrae in the spine develop cracks or fractures. These fractures can lead to severe pain, limited mobility, and a decrease in overall spinal function. Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by reduced bone density and strength, is a common underlying cause of vertebral fractures, especially among older adults. Vertebroplasty is a straightforward procedure that aims to stabilize and reinforce fractured vertebrae. Patient Preparation: Before the procedure, patients undergo imaging tests, such as X-rays or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), to accurately locate the fractured vertebrae and assess the extent of damage. Most vertebroplasty procedures are performed under local anesthesia to numb the skin and surrounding tissues, minimizing discomfort. A hollow needle is guided through the skin and soft tissues under fluoroscopic guidance (real-time X-ray imaging) to reach the fractured vertebra. Once the needle is accurately positioned, medical-grade bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebra. This cement is a specialized material that hardens quickly, stabilizing the vertebra and providing structural support. After the cement is injected and solidified, the needle is removed. Patients are monitored for a short period before being discharged. Vertebral fractures can cause severe pain, which is often alleviated almost immediately after vertebroplasty. The bone cement provides support to the fractured vertebra, reducing movement that can trigger pain. By stabilizing the fractured vertebra, vertebroplasty restores spinal stability, helping patients regain mobility and function. Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that involves only a small incision for needle insertion. This leads to less tissue damage, reduced scarring, and quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgical approaches. Patients often experience rapid pain relief following vertebroplasty, allowing them to resume daily activities sooner. Vertebroplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day. For individuals who are not ideal candidates for surgery due to various health concerns, vertebroplasty offers a viable alternative for treating vertebral fractures. By stabilizing fractured vertebrae through the injection of bone cement, this minimally invasive procedure provides rapid relief, restores mobility, and promotes spinal stability. While vertebroplasty is generally considered a safe and effective procedure for treating vertebral fractures, like any medical intervention, it carries some risks and potential complications. As medical technology continues to advance, vertebroplasty is likely to evolve, offering even more precise and effective solutions for individuals seeking relief from vertebral fractures and associated discomfort. Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), which are often caused by osteoporosis or traumatic injuries. This procedure involves the injection of bone cement into a fractured vertebra to stabilize it and relieve pain. Vertebroplasty is typically recommended for patients with painful vertebral compression fractures that have not responded to conservative treatments such as rest, pain medication, or bracing. It is most commonly used for fractures in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. During the procedure, the patient is usually positioned face down on an X-ray table. A small incision is made, and a special type of medical-grade cement (often polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA) is injected directly into the fractured vertebra under real-time X-ray guidance. The injected cement hardens quickly, stabilizing the fractured vertebra and providing immediate pain relief.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict Of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.