Vertebral augmentation is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting bone cement into a damaged vertebra to stabilize it and reduce pain. It is most commonly used to treat compression fractures of the spine, which can be caused by osteoporosis or other conditions that weaken the bones.
There are two main types of vertebral augmentation procedures: vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. In vertebroplasty, the surgeon inserts a needle into the fractured vertebra and injects bone cement directly into the damaged area. In kyphoplasty, a small balloon is first inserted into the fractured vertebra and inflated to create a space. The cement is then injected into the space created by the balloon.
Vertebral augmentation procedures are performed under local anesthesia and typically take less than an hour to complete. They are considered safe and effective treatments for reducing pain and improving mobility in patients with vertebral compression fractures.
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