Improvement of pain and mobility with vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty: Τwo minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of vertebral fractures.
- nm1738
- Jan 22
- 3 min read
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are two minimally invasive procedures used to treat pain from vertebral fractures, mainly due to osteoporosis. These techniques reinforce the weakened vertebra with a specialised material and provide rapid pain relief.
What is vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty can be performed under either general or local anaesthesia and lasts about 30–60 minutes. The surgeon makes a small incision in the skin, inserts a needle into the vertebral body under radiological guidance, and injects acrylic cement, which hardens quickly. This stabilises the vertebra, reduces pain, and prevents further collapse.
Differences from kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is similar but includes an additional step: before the cement is injected, a balloon is inserted into the vertebral body and inflated to restore part of the lost height and create space. The material is then injected, offering better correction of kyphosis.
How the procedure is performed
Under fluoroscopic guidance, needles are inserted on both sides of the vertebra. In kyphoplasty, a balloon is first introduced and inflated, followed by injection of bone cement into the balloon. The advantage of kyphoplasty is better reduction of the vertebral fracture as well as a lower risk of bone cement leakage through the cracks of the osteoporotic vertebral fracture. The patient is discharged home the same day or the following day, with immediate improvement in pain in 80–90% of cases.
When they are used
Both techniques are indicated for osteoporotic fractures, malignant spinal metastases, or trauma to thoracic or lumbar vertebrae. They are chosen when pain is severe and medication alone is not sufficient, particularly in older patients.
What determines the choice between the two techniques?
The choice between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty depends mainly on the type and extent of the vertebral fracture, as well as the need to restore vertebral height. In mild or moderate compression fractures with loss of height less than 70–80%, kyphoplasty is preferred, as the balloon restores height and corrects kyphosis before cement injection. In complete collapse (>80%) or burst fractures with severe deformity, vertebroplasty is selected, as it does not require a balloon and reduces the risk of complications. For stable fractures due to osteoporosis or vertical loading, both methods are suitable, but kyphoplasty is superior in fractures at risk of further collapse. In unstable fractures or those with neurological deficits, neither is indicated, as open surgical decompression is required in such cases. Kyphoplasty demands additional expertise because of the balloon and is slightly more expensive, whereas vertebroplasty is simpler and quicker. The neurosurgeon decides on the most appropriate technique based on imaging (MRI/CT) and the patient’s clinical picture.
Benefits and risks
These minimally invasive techniques can provide rapid pain relief, improve mobility and quality of life, and avoid the need for major anaesthesia. Risks do exist but are rare, and include cement leakage, infection, or bleeding.
Dr Mazarakis has received comprehensive training at leading spinal surgery centres in the United Kingdom and Ireland and has many years of experience in applying both minimally invasive techniques with great success. For more information or to book an appointment, please call 6975400064.
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