Compression Fracture

Randolph Health offers the latest minimally invasive treatments for compression fractures or injuries to vertebrae (the small bones that make up the spinal column).

When a vertebra fractures, the normal shape of the bone becomes compressed and distorted, causing severe back pain. These compression fractures, which may involve the collapse of one or more vertebrae in the spine, are a common symptom and result of osteoporosis.

The following minimally invasive procedures may be used as a treatment for osteoporosis compression fractures or fractures due to other causes.

Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty involves injecting a special cement mixture into the small holes in weakened vertebrae to strengthen the spinal bones, making them less likely to fracture again and providing pain relief.

Most patients have significant back pain relief within a few days.

Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty involves using a balloon to repair compression fractures.

A patient undergoing kyphoplasty lies face down. The physician advances a thin tube into the fractured vertebra from an incision in the back. Through the tube, the physician drills a small hole through the hard, outer part of the bone into its softer center. This provides a pathway for the physician to insert the balloon into the interior of the vertebra and inflate it. This pushes apart the caps, or end plates, of the fractured vertebra and restores the vertebra to its original shape as much as possible.

The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving a cavity that the physician fills with bone cement. This procedure is done with local anesthesia. After the procedure, patients lie flat on their backs for a period of time while the cement hardens.