Every year, millions of Americans are affected by osteoporosis, which often leads to vertebral compression fractures in the spine. Roughly two thirds of vertebral fractures have no symptoms and may go undiagnosed until they’re found on an x-ray often taken for another reason. Left untreated, vertebral compression fractures are painful and can even lead to disability. Fortunately, minimally invasive procedures such as kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in Oregon are available to help patients relieve back pain and regain mobility.
Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty in Oregon | What’s the Difference?
Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty solve the same problem — vertebral compression fracture. However, each differs slightly. The process of vertebroplasty starts with general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Afterward, small needles are placed in the fractured bone with imaging guidance followed by injection of bone cement into the vertebra. This will ultimately harden and repair the damaged vertebra.
Kyphoplasty, on the other hand, uses balloons inflated with a saline solution which are inserted to create a gap between the vertebrae. Once the desired space is achieved, the balloons are deflated, and bone cement is injected. Similarly to vertebroplasty, the entire process is monitored using a fluoroscopy device.
Patients experience 85 to 90% pain relief immediately following either of these procedures—and they can even go home directly afterward. Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are time-saving, minimally invasive, and improve spinal health almost immediately. However, they are typically recommended after bed rest, braces or pain medications have been ineffective for the patient.
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty in Oregon at CORA
At CORA, our team of highly trained and experienced medical team will walk you through the entire procedure including what you can expect and how to prepare. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, you can call CORA directly at 541-382-9383 and ask for the Interventional Radiology (IR) scheduler or schedule through your physician.
