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Vertebroplasty in India

Minimally invasive procedure injecting bone cement directly into fractured vertebrae to stabilize and relieve pain

Overview

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or spinal tumors. The procedure involves injecting medical-grade bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA) directly into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it and provide pain relief. Unlike kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty does not attempt to restore vertebral height but focuses primarily on pain relief and stabilization. At Arthoscenter, Dr. Gurudeo Kumar has performed over 250 successful vertebroplasty procedures with a 92% pain relief success rate. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation, typically takes 30-45 minutes, and most patients can go home the same day. It is an excellent option for patients with acute vertebral compression fractures who have not responded to conservative treatment. Vertebroplasty provides rapid pain relief, often within 24-48 hours, allowing patients to reduce or eliminate pain medications and return to daily activities. The cement hardens within minutes, providing immediate structural support to the collapsed vertebra. Most patients experience significant improvement in mobility and quality of life following the procedure.

Symptoms & Indications

This surgery may be recommended if you experience:

Sudden onset severe back pain after minor trauma or fall

Localized pain at specific vertebral level on palpation

Pain worse with standing, walking, or physical activity

Pain relief when lying down or resting

Difficulty performing daily activities due to back pain

Limited spine mobility and stiffness

Chronic back pain unresponsive to medications

Multiple vertebral compression fractures on imaging

Height loss due to vertebral collapse

Spinal deformity or kyphosis in severe cases

Procedure Details

Duration

30 to 45 minutes per vertebral level; multiple levels can be treated in one session

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia with conscious sedation (twilight sedation); rarely requires general anesthesia

Preparation for Surgery

Pre-procedure assessment includes spine X-rays and MRI to confirm acute compression fracture, blood tests including coagulation profile, and review of medications (blood thinners stopped temporarily). Patient fasts for 4-6 hours. IV line established. Informed consent obtained explaining procedure, benefits, and risks.

Surgical Steps

Patient positioned prone (face-down) on fluoroscopy table with abdomen supported

Vital signs monitored continuously throughout procedure

Local anesthesia administered to skin and deeper tissues at needle insertion site

Conscious sedation given for patient comfort

Under continuous fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, hollow needle inserted through skin into fractured vertebral body

Needle position confirmed with multiple X-ray views to ensure proper placement

PMMA bone cement mixed to appropriate consistency

Cement carefully injected through needle into vertebral body under fluoroscopic monitoring

Injection stopped if cement reaches posterior vertebral wall or begins to leak

Cement allowed to harden (5-10 minutes) while needle remains in place

Needle removed, small puncture site covered with bandage

Patient kept flat for 1 hour to allow cement to fully set

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery journey

Day 1

Immediate Post-Procedure

1-2 hours bed rest in recovery area. Vital signs and neurological status monitored. Most patients experience rapid pain relief. Mobilization started after cement has set. Same-day discharge for most patients.

Week 1

Early Recovery Phase

Significant pain reduction compared to pre-procedure. Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting (>5 kg), and excessive bending. Light walking encouraged. Pain medications reduced or discontinued. Follow-up X-ray to assess cement position.

Week 2-4

Gradual Activity Increase

Return to most daily activities with precautions. Continue to avoid heavy lifting and high-impact activities. Gentle stretching exercises. Most patients report sustained pain relief and improved mobility.

Month 2-3

Functional Recovery

Return to normal activity levels. Focus on osteoporosis treatment to prevent new fractures. Physical therapy for core strengthening and posture. Regular calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

Month 3-6

Long-term Stabilization

Sustained pain relief and functional improvement. Monitor for new compression fractures with regular follow-ups. Continue bone health medications. Maintain fall prevention strategies.

Month 6+

Maintenance Phase

Annual spine imaging to check for new fractures. Continued osteoporosis management essential. Good quality of life and pain control expected. Watch for new-onset back pain indicating possible new fracture.

Tips for Faster Recovery

Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks after procedure

Use proper body mechanics - bend knees not back when lifting

Sleep on a supportive mattress with good spinal alignment

Take prescribed osteoporosis medications consistently to prevent new fractures

Ensure adequate daily calcium (1200 mg) and vitamin D (800-1000 IU) intake

Engage in weight-bearing exercises like walking to strengthen bones

Quit smoking and limit alcohol as they impair bone health

Implement fall prevention measures at home (remove rugs, improve lighting)

Attend all follow-up appointments for monitoring

Report any new or worsening back pain immediately

Maintain healthy body weight to reduce stress on spine

Consider wearing back brace during activities if recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this procedure

Q1.How is vertebroplasty different from kyphoplasty?

Vertebroplasty directly injects bone cement into the compressed vertebra without attempting to restore height, while kyphoplasty uses a balloon to create a cavity and restore some vertebral height before cement injection. Vertebroplasty is simpler, faster, and less expensive, making it suitable for patients primarily seeking pain relief. Kyphoplasty may be preferred when height restoration and kyphotic deformity correction are important goals.

Q2.How effective is vertebroplasty for pain relief?

Vertebroplasty is highly effective for pain relief in properly selected patients. Studies show 70-90% of patients experience significant pain reduction within 24-72 hours. At Arthoscenter, 92% of our vertebroplasty patients report substantial pain improvement, allowing them to reduce or stop pain medications and resume daily activities. The pain relief is typically sustained long-term.

Q3.What are the risks of vertebroplasty?

While vertebroplasty is generally safe, potential risks include: cement leakage (10-20% but usually asymptomatic), infection (<1%), bleeding, nerve injury (rare), pulmonary embolism from cement (very rare), and allergic reaction to cement. Dr. Kumar uses meticulous technique with continuous fluoroscopic monitoring to minimize these risks. Serious complications are rare (<1%).

Q4.Am I a good candidate for vertebroplasty?

Good candidates include patients with: painful vertebral compression fracture confirmed on MRI showing bone marrow edema (acute fracture), pain localized to fractured level, failure of conservative treatment for 2-4 weeks, osteoporotic fractures, or cancer-related fractures. You may not be suitable if: fracture is old (>6 months), vertebra is completely collapsed, there is spinal cord compression, infection is present, or you have severe bleeding disorders.

Q5.Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital?

Most vertebroplasty procedures at Arthoscenter are done on an outpatient basis. After 1-2 hours of observation to ensure the cement has hardened and you are stable, most patients go home the same day. Overnight stay may be recommended for patients with multiple levels treated, significant medical conditions, or those without adequate home support.

Q6.Can vertebroplasty be repeated if needed?

Yes, vertebroplasty can be performed on multiple vertebrae either in the same session or in staged procedures. If you develop a new compression fracture at a different level later (which can occur with osteoporosis), vertebroplasty can be repeated. However, the same treated vertebra typically does not require repeat treatment as the cement provides permanent stabilization.

Q7.Will vertebroplasty prevent future fractures?

Vertebroplasty stabilizes the treated vertebra but does not prevent new fractures in other vertebrae. In fact, there may be slightly increased risk of adjacent level fractures. This is why comprehensive osteoporosis treatment is essential - including calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates or other bone-strengthening medications, and lifestyle modifications. Dr. Kumar will coordinate your long-term bone health management.

Q8.How long does the cement last?

The PMMA bone cement used in vertebroplasty is permanent and does not degrade over time. Once it hardens, it provides long-lasting stabilization of the fractured vertebra. The cement can be seen on X-rays indefinitely and does not need to be removed. It is biocompatible and well-tolerated by the body for life.

Q9.What is the cost of vertebroplasty at Arthoscenter?

The cost depends on number of vertebral levels treated, type of anesthesia used, hospital charges, and cement type. Vertebroplasty is generally less expensive than kyphoplasty. Arthoscenter accepts PMJAY and BSKY insurance which may cover the procedure for eligible patients. We offer affordable payment options for self-pay patients. Book a ₹999 consultation with Dr. Kumar for accurate cost estimation.

Q10.What is the success rate at Arthoscenter?

Dr. Gurudeo Kumar has performed over 250 vertebroplasty procedures with a 92% pain relief success rate. Most patients experience 60-75% reduction in pain scores and significant improvement in function. Our complication rate is less than 2%, with cement leakage being the most common (though usually harmless). Patient satisfaction rate exceeds 90%, with most patients recommending the procedure to others with similar problems.

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