Spine Fracture Symptoms
When fractures occur in the spine, they have different symptoms than fractures in other areas of the body. The collapse (compression) of the vertebral body can pinch and damage nerves, leading to pain within the region that radiates to other areas of the body. Usually, these fractures occur from injuries, trauma, or the weakening of bones due to osteoporosis.
Common symptoms of a vertebral compression fracture:
- Sudden back pain, sometimes after only a minor fall or lift when the bones are weakened by osteoporosis
- Pain that gets worse when standing or walking and eases when lying down
- Loss of height
- A stooped, forward-curved posture
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They can occur anywhere in the spine, although are most common in the thoracic spine. If left untreated, spinal fractures can have very serious effects on the spinal cord, even leading to paralysis. At Loop Medical Center, we offer three treatments for spinal fractures: balloon kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty and sacroplasty.
TREATMENTS
Balloon Kyphoplasty
Balloon Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to treat vertebral compression fractures. During the procedure, the patient is sedated and a balloon is guided into the affected vertebra with the assistance of fluoroscopy. The balloon is then inflated, raising the collapsed bone, creating space within the spinal column and fixing the positioning of the bone.
The balloon is removed and the cavity that it leaves behind is filled with an orthopedic, cement-like glue that hardens and stabilizes the vertebral body. This treatment can help eliminate pain, reduce pressure on surrounding nerves, and restore vertebral body height and proper alignment of the spine. This allows the patient to have increased mobility and stability, restoring their quality of life.
Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty also treats vertebral compression fractures. Under fluoroscopy guidance, a needle is guided into the fractured vertebra and bone cement is injected directly into the bone, where it hardens and stabilizes the fracture. Unlike balloon kyphoplasty, no balloon is used to create a space first.
Sacroplasty
When a patient has a sacral insufficiency fracture, they may be a good candidate for a sacroplasty. These fractures, occurring within the sacrum, are relatively common, although there are currently very few treatment options for the condition. More recently, sacroplasty procedures have been offered in place of traditional therapies: bedrest and medication.
Similar to balloon kyphoplasty, this procedure is intended to reduce pain while increasing stability for patients with the same bone cement used in vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. During this procedure, bone needles are inserted into the affected area with the assistance of fluoroscopy. Once in the correct position, bone cement is inserted through the needles, hardening along the fracture.
Radiofrequency Tumor Ablation with Cement Augmentation
Cancer that has spread to the spine can weaken a vertebra and cause pain or a fracture. For these patients, Dr. Elbaridi can combine radiofrequency (RF) ablation with cement augmentation, using systems such as OsteoCool. Under fluoroscopy guidance, a probe is placed in the vertebra and uses heat to destroy tumor tissue. Bone cement is then injected to stabilize the bone.
This treatment is planned together with your oncology team as part of your cancer care.
Insurance and billing
Most insurance accepted, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage, PPO and HMO plans. Coverage depends on medical necessity — we verify before your visit. We verify benefits and pre-authorize before your procedure, so there are no surprise bills afterward.