Surgery for Osteoporosis

Spinal compression fractures may be treated with surgery. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are two minimally invasive treatments for spinal compression fractures. Both procedures use orthopaedic bone cement.

During vertebroplasty, the cement is injected into the collapsed vertebrae. The bone cement rapidly hardens and stabilizes the fracture. Vertebroplasty can help to relieve pain and may strengthen other vertebrae that are weak but not fractured.

During kyphoplasty, also called balloon kyphoplasty, a thin tube is inserted into the collapsed vertebra. Attached to the tube is a small balloon that, when inflated, moves the pieces of broken bone creating a space. This space is filled with thick liquid bone cement. Balloon kyphoplasty can relieve pain and stabilizes the fracture. However, unlike vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty may also restore vertebral height thus reducing spinal deformity.

Both procedures are done using thin tubes (called cannulas) that are passed through the skin and inserted into each vertebra to inject the cement. The patient usually goes home the same day. Some patients may stay overnight in the hospital. The small incisions where the cannulas were inserted usually do not need stitches.

Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty have been shown to decrease or eliminate pain associated with vertebral compression fractures. With both procedures, there is a risk of bone cement migrating (moving) out of place. As with all surgery, there are other risks including infection. Your doctor will explain each procedure's benefits and risks.

In rare instances, when a spinal fracture does not heal after a long time, surgery may be recommended. The spine surgeon may recommend spinal fusion. During spinal fusion two or more vertebrae are fused (connected) together. The procedure may involve the use of metal rods, cages, or other types of implants with bone graft. Once again, your spine surgeon will explain the procedure as well as the benefit and risks.