Question
My 80 year old father just recently broke his T-9 and T-10 and also two ribs.  He is in immense pain and scheduled for a vertibroplasty (spelled?) Do you believe that to be a good measure of correction?  What are the complications?

Answer
Dear Hanna,

Vertebroplasty is a common procedure used to correct for compression fracture of the vertebra.  The procedure involves placing a small needle into the crushed bone, and cement is injected into the bone to secure it. Several crushed bones can be treated at the same time. The doctor (either a orthopedist or interventional radiologist) guides the needle into position using special x-ray equipment (usually a fluoroscope). Therefore, open surgery is not needed. The procedure takes about one hour and is usually done using only a local anesthetic. Usually, patients can leave the hospital a few hours after the procedure is done. It has a pretty good success rate for reducing pain and improving function...over 75% of cases will improve, and complications are rare.

Another option is called Kyphoplasty:  Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are both minimally invasive surgical procedures for treating compression fractures, but kyphoplasty includes an additional step. Prior to injecting the cement-like material, a special balloon is inserted and gently inflated inside the fractured vertebrae. The goal of this step is to restore height to the bone thus reducing deformity of the spine. Most patients return to their normal daily activities after either procedure.

Hope this helps Hannah.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net