Kyphoplasty

Vertebroplasty of five consecutive thoracic vertebrae on a woman with heavy osteoporosis and several spinal fractures. We can see two working cannulas, within two bones, that were inserted with the assistance of the O-arm and Neuronavigation. [image taken from my personal archive]

Vertebroplasty of five consecutive thoracic vertebrae on a woman with heavy osteoporosis and several spinal fractures. We can see two working cannulas, within two bones, that were inserted with the assistance of the O-arm and Neuronavigation.
[image taken from my personal archive]

Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty:

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are two similar, percutaneous, and minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) that are applied in the treatment of osteoporotic fractures. In both methods, a thin tube is placed in the body of the broken vertebra with the assistance of the portable X-ray machine (C-arm) or the surgical imaging system (O-arm). If the latter is used, acrylic cement is injected in order to strengthen the desalinated bone. (Image)

Before the cement injection in kyphoplasty, the doctor first tries to restore the broken vertebra with the assistance of a balloon that inflates within the bone.

One of the latest technological advancements in kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty is the use of O-arm (surgical imaging system) in combination with Neuronavigation (medical GPS). Using this technology empowers us to perform these operations very precisely, eliminating the risk of any neurological complications.

The major advantages of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty compared to the conservative treatment or the classic surgical treatment with spinal fusion are: very small incisions, no loss of blood, minimal postoperative pain, short period of hospitalization, and of course the swift recovery with no bed rest and its complications (pneumonia, pressure ulcers, vein thrombosis in the lower limbs, pulmonary embolism, etc.).