A vertebral compress fracture is a specific term that refers to a hairline crack in a spine vertebra. This happens because of osteoporosis, which causes bone weakness. A hairline fracture in the spine can lead to chronic back pain, a decrease of height, and misaligned posture.
Let’s discuss the best methods to treat compression fractures and where you can find effective treatment in Melbourne to reduce your back pain.
Treatment of a Cracked Spine with Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty
Your spine doctor may be able to perform minimally invasive procedures in cases where other treatments have failed to relieve back pain. There are two options: kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty.
Your spine surgeon will insert a special bone cement into the fracture to help support it and ease the pain.
Kyphoplasty works in a similar way to vertebroplasty. However, the doctor will insert a thin, flexible bone cement into the fracture. This is a great way to restore height lost due to osteoporosis.
How to prepare for minimally invasive spine surgery
Both kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty require the same preparations and aftercare. You will need to have an X-ray taken and a physical exam before the procedure. This will allow your back doctor to locate any fractures or weak points along the vertebrae. You may be asked by your doctor to have additional diagnostic imaging tests such as an MRI (magnetic radiation imaging) or a CT (computed topography scan).
All patients who require either one of these treatments must also provide a complete medical history. If you are suffering from bleeding disorders, or are on any prescription medication, let your doctor know. Certain medicines may increase the chance of bleeding excessively or blood clots after or during surgery. You will need to take precautions.
What should I expect from Compression Fracture Surgery
Anesthesia will be administered to you for the procedure. Your nonsurgical area will be covered with radiation protectors. The surgeon will then use continuous X-rays to guide the needle into the affected vertebra.
The needle is used for injecting the bone cement into the fracture. It is injection-based so you won’t need stitches.
After the Recovery and Procedure
After the procedure is complete, you will be required to remain seated for approximately an hour as the cement sets. For an additional one- to two hours, you will be monitored.
Although you may feel relief right away, it can take up to 72 hours for the discomfort to subside completely. While you are healing, your spine doctor may prescribe medication to help you manage the pain.
While your doctor might advise you to restrain active movement while you recover, you can still walk right away after surgery. The cement will set and the vertebra will support your spine like normal.
Treatment of a Compression Fracture
Back pain management can include pain-relief injections in the spine. However, the best treatments for compression fractures minimally invasive vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty are the best. Our medical team is dedicated to providing you with quality back pain relief in the most effective manner possible.
This article was written by a medical professional at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive pain management services to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, work injuries as well as Ketamine Infusion For Pain Management.