Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty doctors in India
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Introduction
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat painful spinal fractures. These fractures often happen when the bones in the spine (vertebrae) become weak, most commonly due to osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer spread. When a vertebra collapses, it can cause severe pain, limited movement, and even a hunched posture. Traditional treatment options like pain medicines and rest may help, but sometimes the pain remains bad and interferes with daily life. That’s where your doctor may suggest vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. These techniques are less invasive, allowing many patients to experience rapid pain relief and improved mobility compared to traditional surgery. These procedures are often done in a hospital setting, but the overall process is relatively quick, and recovery is usually much faster than open surgical alternatives.
Who May Need Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty?
These procedures are usually recommended if:
- You have a painful vertebral compression fracture (often from osteoporosis).
- Pain does not improve after conservative treatments like rest, pain medicine, or braces.
- The fracture is causing limited movement or impacting daily activities.
- You have a fracture due to a tumour or cancer weakening the vertebra.
- You are not fit for major open spine surgery because of health risks.
Your doctor will review your symptoms, imaging (like MRI or CT scans), and overall health before suggesting either vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty.
Types of Procedures
There are two main options:
1. Vertebroplasty:
In this procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the collapsed vertebra under imaging guidance. A special bone cement is injected directly into the fractured bone to stabilise it. The cement hardens quickly and strengthens the bone, reducing pain and risk of further collapse.
2. Kyphoplasty:
Kyphoplasty is similar, but with an extra step. Before cement is injected, a tiny balloon is inserted and gently inflated. This helps restore some of the lost height of the vertebra and may reduce spinal deformity. Then the balloon is removed, and cement fills the cavity. This method can provide additional structural support and sometimes better pain relief.
Both procedures are done by trained specialists using imaging to ensure accuracy and safety. Your surgeon will decide which option fits your condition best.
Procedure
Before the procedure, your doctor will explain everything and review tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. You may be asked to stop certain medicines, especially blood thinners, several days before the procedure. Fasting (no food or drink) may be required for a few hours beforehand.
Here’s how vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty typically works:
1. You are brought to the procedure room in the hospital and positioned comfortably on a table.
2. A mild sedative or anaesthetic is given so you stay relaxed and pain-free.
3. Under X-ray guidance, the surgeon carefully inserts a narrow needle into the fractured vertebra.
4. For kyphoplasty, a balloon is gently inserted and inflated to create space and restore height.
5. Special medical cement is then injected into the vertebra to harden and stabilise the bone.
6. Once complete, the needle is removed, and a small dressing is placed.
The whole process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many vertebrae need treatment. Because there are no large cuts, the risk of bleeding and infection is much lower than with traditional open surgery.
Recovery & Aftercare
One of the best things about vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty is the recovery. Most patients feel relief from pain within a day or two. In many cases, some pain improvement begins even on the same day. However, you may still feel some soreness at the needle entry site, which is normal and goes away quickly.
Recovery tips include:
- Rest for the remainder of the day after the procedure.
- Walk and do light movement soon — this helps your spine and muscles.
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a few weeks.
- Follow your doctor’s advice on pain medicines, if needed.
- Attend follow-up appointments to check healing and function.
Most people return to normal activities within a week or two, but everyone heals at their own pace. Larger bone diseases or multiple fractures may take a bit more time to fully settle.
Risks & Possible Complications
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are generally safe, but like any medical procedure, there can be risks:
● Cement leakage: The bone cement may occasionally travel outside the vertebra. In most cases, this does not cause symptoms, but it can rarely irritate nearby tissues.
● Infection: A rare possibility, but the hospital team takes precautions to prevent it.
● Bleeding or nerve irritation: Very uncommon but possible in sensitive areas of the spine.
● Allergic reaction: Extremely rare, but some people may react to materials used.
Most side effects are mild and temporary. Choosing an experienced surgeon and proper imaging guidance reduces these risks significantly.
Frequently asked questions
What is vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure where medical cement is injected into a fractured spinal bone to stabilise it. It helps reduce pain and prevent further collapse. This is done using imaging and usually takes less than an hour.
What is kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is similar to vertebroplasty but includes a step where a small balloon is first inserted and inflated inside the fractured bone. This can help restore some lost height before cement is placed. It’s often used when spinal shape correction is needed.
Does the procedure hurt?
No, you will be given sedation or anaesthesia before the procedure so you don’t feel pain. Some people may feel mild pressure or warmth, but it’s generally comfortable. After the procedure, you may have slight soreness, which fades quickly.
How long does recovery take?
Many patients feel pain relief within a day or two. Full recovery usually takes a few weeks, with most people returning to regular activities within a couple of weeks. Following aftercare instructions makes a big difference.
Can both procedures be done on more than one vertebra?
Yes, if needed, more than one level of the spine can be treated in the same session. Your surgeon will decide based on how many fractures you have and your overall condition.
Is this better than traditional surgery?
For the right case, yes. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are less invasive than open spine surgery, meaning smaller incisions, less bleeding, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. Traditional surgery is still used for certain complex conditions.
Are imaging tests needed before treatment?
Yes, MRI, CT or X-rays are usually done before the procedure to confirm the fracture, its age and its severity. These tests help the surgeon plan the safest and most effective approach.
When should I call my doctor after the procedure?
If you notice severe pain, fever, redness or swelling around the site, difficulty walking, or new symptoms, contact your doctor. These could be signs that need quick attention.