Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are surgical procedures used to treat compression fractures in the spine.
Both versions use a cement-like substance to stabilize the fractured vertebrae, the bones that make up the spine.
Both versions are usually very successful in alleviating fracture-related pain.
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For people whose spinal fracture pain cannot be managed conservatively, a kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty is often recommended.
The following sections compare and contrast these vertebral augmentation procedures.
Similarities
Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are used to treat the pain brought on by a vertebral fracture.
This is performed using a needle called a trocar while the patient is lying on their stomach.
Differences
The primary difference between a vertebroplasty and a kyphoplasty is the balloon utilized during a kyphoplasty.
This helps restore height and form to the injured portion of the spine.
Risk Comparison
Both procedures are considered extremely safe, and side effects are relatively rare.
Occasionally, the cement used during a kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty can leak into the surrounding areas.
Treatment Outcomes
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are both very effective procedures.
For people undergoing a kyphoplasty, this number went from 7.1 to 2.0 at the six-week mark.
A year after the procedures, both groups reported an average pain under 1 out of 10.
Cost-Wise, How Do Kyphoplasty vs. Vertebroplasty Compare?
The costs of these two vertebral augmentation surgeries vary widely, depending on your location and individual insurance coverage.
In general, however, kyphoplasty procedures are usually more expensive than vertebroplasty.
This usually involves assessing your symptoms and ordering images of your spine to evaluate the fracture.
Summary
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are surgeries that are used to treat compression fractures in the spine.
Both procedures stabilize the fractured area using bone cement that is inserted with a needle into your vertebrae.
Northwestern Medicine.Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty.
Hospital for Specialty Surgery.Kyphoplasty: minimally invasive procedure for a spinal compression fracture.
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Weill Cornell Medicine.Vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty for compression fractures.
