Compression Fracture Treatment
Treatment of compression fractures comprises of non-surgical and surgical treatment options. The non–surgical treatment options include activity modification, use of pain medications and braces. The surgical options for vertebral compression fractures includes vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty which are minimally invasive procedures. This same information is shared in our back fracture information page.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty involves the insertion of a tube with a deflated balloon at its end, into the fractured vertebra. The balloon is then inflated to restore the height of the collapsed vertebra. Bone cement is injected into the space created by the balloon to maintain the restored height.
Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is very similar to kyphoplasty with the only difference being the absence of a balloon. In vertebroplasty, orthopedic cement or Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is inserted into the collapsed vertebra through a needle and syringe, under fluoroscopic guidance.
Sometimes an open surgery may be required. Spinal fusion, with the help of bone graft and screws or rods, is used to stabilize the spine.
Depending upon the severity of the fracture and the procedure performed, you may be discharged the same day of your surgery or be hospitalized for a few days.