Vertebroplasty in Montgomery, AL
A vertebral compression fracture can cause significant back pain and make everyday activities such as standing, walking, and getting around more difficult. When a painful compression fracture does not improve with appropriate conservative treatment, vertebroplasty may be considered to stabilize the fractured vertebra and address fracture-related pain.
At Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Milo Sanda, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, provides surgical and nonsurgical care for conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.
If back pain from a compression fracture is affecting your mobility or daily activities, request an appointment online or call (334) 613-9000 to schedule a spine evaluation. For more information on related back conditions and conservative pathways, explore our primary Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons Back Pain Center.
What Is Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain painful vertebral compression fractures. During the procedure, medical-grade bone cement is placed into the fractured vertebra using imaging guidance. The cement hardens within the vertebral body, helping stabilize the weakened or fractured bone. The primary goals of vertebroplasty are to stabilize the fracture and reduce pain associated with movement of the fractured vertebra.
What Is a Vertebral Compression Fracture?
A vertebral compression fracture occurs when one of the vertebrae in the spine weakens and partially collapses. Osteoporosis is a common cause of vertebral compression fractures because it reduces bone strength. When osteoporosis is advanced, fractures can sometimes occur with relatively minor stress on the spine. Other potential causes include:
Trauma or injury
Tumors or other conditions that weaken vertebral bone
Other diseases that affect bone strength
Symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of the fracture. They may include:
Sudden or persistent back pain
Pain that worsens when standing or walking
Pain with certain movements
Reduced mobility
Loss of height
Changes in posture when multiple vertebral fractures occur
Not every compression fracture causes significant symptoms, and not every fracture requires a procedure.
Who May Be a Candidate for Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty may be considered when a vertebral compression fracture is causing persistent pain that has not responded adequately to appropriate nonsurgical treatment. Your physician will consider factors such as:
The cause and location of the fracture
How recently the fracture occurred
The severity and pattern of your pain
Imaging findings
Your overall health
Bone quality
How your symptoms affect mobility and daily activities
Your response to previous treatment
Conservative treatment may include activity modification, bracing, medications, and other measures when appropriate. A spine evaluation can help determine whether the compression fracture is responsible for your symptoms, and whether vertebroplasty or another treatment should be considered.
How Is a Vertebral Compression Fracture Diagnosed?
Evaluation begins with a review of your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Imaging is used to identify the fracture and evaluate the affected vertebra. Depending on the individual situation, testing may include:
X-rays
MRI
CT scans
Other imaging or testing when appropriate
Imaging can also help determine whether the fracture corresponds with the location and characteristics of your pain. If osteoporosis or another condition affecting bone strength is suspected, additional evaluation may be recommended to address the underlying cause of the fracture.
What Happens During Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is performed using imaging guidance to precisely access the fractured vertebra. During the procedure, Dr. Milo Sanda guides a specialized needle into the affected vertebral body. Medical-grade bone cement is then carefully placed into the fractured vertebra. The cement hardens and helps stabilize the weakened bone. The exact details of the procedure, including anesthesia and other aspects of care, depend on the patient’s condition and individualized treatment plan.
Vertebroplasty vs. Kyphoplasty: What's the Difference?
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are related minimally invasive procedures used to treat certain painful vertebral compression fractures. Both use bone cement to stabilize the affected vertebra, but the procedures differ in how the cement is placed.
| Vertebroplasty | Kyphoplasty |
|---|---|
| Bone cement is placed directly into the fractured vertebra | A balloon is used before bone cement is placed |
| Primarily intended to stabilize the fractured vertebra | Stabilizes the fracture and may restore some lost vertebral height |
| Does not use a balloon to create a cavity | Balloon creates a cavity before cement placement |
Neither procedure is automatically better for every patient. The appropriate treatment depends on the characteristics of the fracture, symptoms, imaging findings, overall health, and other individual factors.
What Are the Goals of Vertebroplasty?
The primary goal of vertebroplasty is to stabilize a painful vertebral compression fracture. For an appropriate patient, treatment may help:
Reduce fracture-related back pain
Improve mobility limited by fracture pain
Make standing and walking more comfortable
Improve function in everyday activities
Vertebroplasty does not treat every cause of back pain. Determining whether the compression fracture is actually responsible for the patient’s symptoms is an important part of the evaluation. Individual results vary, and your spine surgeon will discuss the goals and realistic expectations of the procedure based on your condition.
Recovery After Vertebroplasty
Recovery varies based on the patient’s overall health, the number and severity of fractures treated, and other individual factors. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding activity following the procedure. These may include guidance about:
Incision care
Walking and daily activities
Lifting and bending
Driving
Medications
Returning to work
Exercise
Follow-up appointments
Some temporary soreness around the treatment area may occur following the procedure. Follow your surgeon’s individualized instructions regarding when and how to return to normal activities.
Does Vertebroplasty Treat Osteoporosis?
No. Vertebroplasty stabilizes the fractured vertebra but does not treat the osteoporosis or other condition that may have weakened the bone. When osteoporosis contributes to a vertebral compression fracture, addressing bone health is an important part of reducing the risk of additional fractures. Your physician may recommend further evaluation or treatment based on your bone health and individual risk factors.
Meet Dr. Milo Sanda
Milo Sanda, DO is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon at Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Dr. Sanda completed advanced fellowship training in Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at The Spine Institute of Louisiana after completing his orthopedic surgery residency at Bon Secours Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center.
His practice includes surgical and nonsurgical treatment of conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, including vertebral compression fractures and other degenerative and structural spine conditions.
His areas of spine care include:
Minimally invasive spine surgery
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty
Laminectomy and spinal decompression
Cervical and lumbar disc replacement
SI joint fusion
Spinal injections
Radiofrequency ablation
Dr. Sanda sees patients for spine care in Montgomery, Prattville, and Wetumpka.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vertebroplasty
Is Vertebroplasty Painful?
Anesthesia and other measures are used during vertebroplasty to help keep patients comfortable. Some soreness around the treatment area may occur afterward. Your surgeon will explain what to expect before and after your specific procedure.
Is Vertebroplasty an Outpatient Procedure?
Vertebroplasty may be performed as an outpatient procedure for appropriate patients. The specific setting and discharge plan depend on the patient’s health, procedure, and recovery.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Vertebroplasty?
Recovery varies from patient to patient. Your surgeon will provide individualized instructions for walking, driving, work, exercise, lifting, and other activities.
How Quickly Does Vertebroplasty Relieve Pain?
The response to vertebroplasty varies. Some patients may notice improvement relatively soon after the procedure, while others may experience changes more gradually. Your surgeon can discuss realistic expectations based on the fracture and your individual condition.
Is Vertebroplasty Better Than Kyphoplasty?
Neither procedure is universally better. Vertebroplasty places bone cement directly into the fractured vertebra. Kyphoplasty uses a balloon to create a cavity before the cement is placed and may help restore some lost vertebral height. Your surgeon will determine which approach, if either, is appropriate based on your fracture and individual circumstances.
Will Vertebroplasty Prevent Future Compression Fractures?
Vertebroplasty stabilizes the vertebra being treated, but it does not eliminate the risk of future fractures. If osteoporosis or another condition has weakened the bones, addressing the underlying bone health remains important.
What Are the Risks of Vertebroplasty?
Like any medical procedure, vertebroplasty has potential risks. These can include infection, bleeding, cement leakage, nerve injury, reaction to anesthesia, or other complications. Your surgeon will discuss the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives before treatment.
Vertebroplasty and Compression Fracture Care in Montgomery, Alabama
Persistent pain from a vertebral compression fracture can affect mobility, independence, and everyday activities. An evaluation can help determine whether a compression fracture is causing your symptoms and whether vertebroplasty or another treatment may be appropriate.
Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons provides specialized Back & Spine care for patients throughout Central Alabama. Dr. Milo Sanda sees patients in Montgomery, Prattville, and Wetumpka.
Call (334) 613-9000 or request an appointment online to schedule a spine evaluation, or visit our primary Back Pain Center to learn more about our comprehensive spine service line.