Frequently Asked Questions About Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty
In Which Situations Are Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty Performed?
The patient group in which vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are most commonly performed includes cases where the vertebrae are weakened due to osteoporosis, are at risk of fracture, or are fractured. These patients have severe low back and back pain, and the pain does not improve with methods such as painkillers and braces. In such cases, the spine is strengthened with medical cement and the pain is relieved.
Is General Anesthesia Necessary for Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty?
In many patients, these procedures can be performed with sedoanalgesia and local anesthesia without general anesthesia. However, in rare cases, general anesthesia is used if the patients feel uncomfortable.
How Long Do Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty Take?
Vertebroplasty takes 20-30 minutes, while kyphoplasty takes about 45 minutes.
To How Many Vertebrae Can Vertebroplasty Be Applied in the Same Session at Most?
Although the procedure can be applied to more than one vertebra in the same session, it is recommended that it be performed on a maximum of three vertebrae in the same session, with a 15-minute interval between each vertebra treated.
Does the Pain Completely Go Away After Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty?
In 95% of patients, the pain disappears completely.
Are There Risks in Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty?
The most common complication related to vertebroplasty is blockage of the lung vessels. In addition, if the medical cement leaks into the canal through which the spinal cord passes, loss of strength in the legs may develop. These risks are quite low, and leakage is almost never seen with the kyphoplasty method.
Is There a Difference Between Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty in Relieving Pain?
When kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are compared, there is no significant difference between them in terms of pain relief. However, kyphoplasty is a more expensive procedure than vertebroplasty.
What Are the Advantages of Kyphoplasty Over Vertebroplasty?
The advantages of kyphoplasty are that the collapse in the vertebra is lifted with the help of a balloon, the height is increased and thus kyphosis is corrected, and also that the possibility of cement leaking outside the vertebra is very low.
