Thoracic Vertebroplasty
What is it?
Thoracic Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure primarily used to treat painful vertebral fractures in the thoracic spine, which is the middle portion of the spinal column extending from the base of the neck to the abdomen. This procedure is often employed when vertebral fractures are due to osteoporosis, cancer, or benign lesions.
Thoracic vertebroplasty is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from severe and debilitating pain due to vertebral fractures that have not responded well to conservative treatments like rest, pain medication, or braces. It is a vital option for elderly patients or those with osteoporosis, where the fragility of the bones makes traditional surgical interventions riskier.
Postoperative care generally involves a short period of rest followed by a gradual return to normal activities. Most patients experience immediate pain relief, although full recovery and return to daily activities may vary based on individual health factors.
Procedure
The essence of vertebroplasty lies in its approach to stabilizing and strengthening the fractured vertebra. Under local anesthesia and with the aid of imaging guidance, a surgeon inserts a needle into the damaged vertebral body. Through this needle, a specially formulated bone cement is injected into the fractured bone. This cement quickly hardens, providing immediate structural support to the vertebra, stabilizing the fracture, and alleviating pain.
The primary benefit of thoracic vertebroplasty is the rapid relief of pain from spinal fractures. Patients often report a significant decrease in pain soon after the procedure. Additionally, stabilizing the spine helps improve the patient’s mobility and quality of life. The procedure’s minimally invasive nature means that it has fewer risks and complications than traditional open surgery and requires a shorter hospital stay and recovery time.