Vertebroplasty

Veryebroplasty for painful Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture and bone biopsy for lesions in spine like TB or Cancer

1. Purpose: Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures, often caused by osteoporosis. The procedure involves the injection of bone cement into the fractured vertebra to stabilize the spine and alleviate pain.

2. Procedure:

  • The patient lies on their stomach or back, depending on the targeted vertebra.
  • The skin is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
  • A hollow needle is guided into the fractured vertebra under fluoroscopic guidance.
  • Once the needle is in place, medical-grade bone cement is injected into the vertebra, stabilizing it and providing pain relief.
  • The cement hardens quickly, providing immediate support to the fractured vertebra.

3. Day Care Aspects:

  • Vertebroplasty is often performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
  • The procedure is relatively quick, and patients may experience pain relief soon after the intervention.
  • Patients are typically monitored for a short period after the procedure to ensure there are no immediate complications.

4. Aftercare:

  • Patients may be advised to take it easy for a short period after the procedure.
  • Regular activities can often be resumed relatively quickly, though specific recommendations may vary.

Bone Biopsy for Lesions in the Spine (e.g., TB or Cancer):

1. Purpose: A bone biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small sample of bone tissue is collected for examination. This procedure is commonly used when there is suspicion of infectious or neoplastic (cancerous) lesions in the spine.

2. Procedure:

  • The patient may be positioned based on the location of the suspected lesion.
  • The skin over the biopsy site is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
  • Using imaging guidance (such as fluoroscopy or CT scans), a biopsy needle is precisely guided to the targeted area.
  • A small sample of bone tissue is collected for examination.
  • The biopsy site may be closed with stitches or a bandage.

3. Day Care Aspects:

  • Bone biopsy is often performed on an outpatient basis.
  • The procedure duration can vary but is generally relatively short.
  • Patients are observed for a short period after the procedure to monitor for any immediate complications.

4. Aftercare:

  • Patients may experience some soreness at the biopsy site, and pain medication may be prescribed if needed.
  • Results from the biopsy, which can help determine the nature of the lesion (e.g., tuberculosis or cancer), are typically available after laboratory analysis.

It’s crucial for individuals undergoing either vertebroplasty or bone biopsy to follow post-procedure instructions provided by their healthcare team and attend any follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery and address any concerns. Additionally, the decision to pursue these procedures is made based on careful consideration of the patient’s specific condition and medical history. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice and recommendations.