Vertebroplasty: A Reliable Treatment Method for Spinal Bone Fractures

Vertebroplasty is a surgical procedure used for the treatment of vertebral fractures of the spinal column. These fractures can occur due to various causes and conditions, such as osteoporosis, sudden spinal trauma, or as a result of oncological (cancerous) diseases. Fractures can cause pain, limitations in spinal movement, and negatively affect the quality of life of the sufferer.

During the intervention, the physician gains access to the fracture site through a special method. This is usually performed using a thin needle, injecting a special substance (bone cement) into the fracture. This substance is placed within the fracture, thereby achieving strengthening and stabilization of the bone. The aim is to heal the cracks or breaks in the bone and reduce the degree of pain.

Vertebroplasty is usually performed under local anesthesia, which means the patient is awake but the procedure site is numbed. Recovery after the procedure is usually quick and normal daily activities can be resumed within a few hours.

This procedure is an effective way to relieve pain from vertebral fractures and improves patients' quality of life. However, each patient is different, and consultation with a physician is important to determine whether vertebroplasty is appropriate.

The process before the vertebroplasty procedure

Whether vertebroplasty should be performed is assessed based on the patient's clinical condition, symptoms, X-ray images, and other medical factors. This decision usually consists of a series of steps and is determined by the specific condition of the patient.

• Patient evaluation: First, the patient consults with a medical specialist who evaluates their complaints and symptoms. These may include back pain, limitation of movements, or other symptoms related to the spinal column.
• Physical examination: The physician evaluates the patient's physical condition. Factors such as patient mobility, painful points, and spinal difficulties are taken into account.
• Diagnostic imaging tests: Radiological imaging studies such as X-ray, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging may be used to determine the location and severity of bone fractures in the spinal column.
• Conservative (non-surgical) treatment: In mild cases of spinal fractures, physicians prefer non-surgical methods. These include rest, pain relievers, and physical therapy. These treatments support the natural healing process of the spinal column.
• In case of severe pain and fracture: If the patient's symptoms are severe and significantly affect quality of life and do not respond to conservative treatment, physicians may recommend surgical interventions such as vertebroplasty.
• Risk and benefit assessment: The physician informs the patient about the potential risks and benefits of vertebroplasty. This is an important part of the patient's decision-making process, as it helps them clearly understand what the treatment involves.

Ultimately, the decision whether to perform vertebroplasty surgery depends on the characteristics and condition of the patient. Physicians perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, taking into account the individual situation of the patient.

How is vertebroplasty performed?

This procedure allows the fracture to be fixed with special bone cement, thereby achieving stabilization of the affected area of the spinal column.

How is vertebroplasty surgery performed?

1. Patient preparation: The patient is explained in detail when the surgery will be performed, what type of anesthesia will be used, and what the expected results of the surgery are. The patient's medical history, allergies, and current medications are also reviewed.
2. X-ray navigation for precise needle guidance: During the surgery, the physician uses a special guiding X-ray device to determine the exact location of the fracture. A thin needle is then inserted and directed toward the fractured vertebra. This needle is used for injecting bone cement into the affected area.
3. Injection of the bone cement itself: After the needle reaches the fracture, the physician begins injecting a cement-like substance. This substance is injected into the fracture, where it hardens and thus supports and stabilizes the fracture.
4. Post-procedure care: After the surgery, the patient usually remains under observation for several hours to ensure the surgery was successful. The physician will monitor the patient's postoperative period and provide instructions regarding the administration of necessary medications and exercises that will help control pain.
5. Postoperative follow-up: The patient should visit their physicians for regular check-ups throughout the recovery process. During these follow-up examinations, postoperative recovery can be assessed and if necessary, the treatment plan can be reorganized.

Who is this procedure suitable for?

Vertebroplasty is a common surgical procedure for treating spinal fractures. However, this surgery is not suitable for everyone and certain criteria must be met. In general, the following factors are considered when deciding whether the surgery is appropriate:

• Bone density: If vertebroplasty surgery is being considered for treating spinal fractures, the patient's bone density is evaluated. Conditions such as advanced osteoporosis can have a negative impact when evaluating the patient's condition.
• Pain intensity: Patients with severe pain due to spinal fracture may be candidates for vertebroplasty treatment. However, for each patient, the potential of the surgery for pain reduction and its advantages and risks compared to other treatment options are evaluated.
• Ineffectiveness of other treatment options: Vertebroplasty surgery may be considered if medications, physical therapy, and other conservative treatment options have failed to control the pain associated with a spinal fracture.
• General health condition: The patient's general health condition can affect the risks of the surgery. In particular, patients with other health problems, such as heart, lung, or kidney problems, should undergo a detailed examination before surgery.
• Patient age: The patient's age can affect the suitability of the surgery. Especially in elderly patients, the risks of the surgery may increase.

In addition to these criteria, whether surgery should be performed depends on the specific condition and needs of the patient. For this reason, a detailed evaluation is performed before vertebroplasty surgery, and the decision for surgery is made by the specialist physician.