Chronic back pain, especially due to vertebral compression fractures, can significantly impact your daily life. If you suffer from a fractured vertebra, you may experience sharp, debilitating pain that makes even simple movements challenging. Traditional pain management methods, such as medications or physical therapy, might not always provide the relief you need. This is where vertebroplasty—a specialised procedure offered at Holistic Imaging Geelong—comes into play, offering a minimally invasive solution to stabilise the spine and provide lasting pain relief.
What is vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is a well-established, minimally invasive procedure used to treat compression fractures in the spine, which are often caused by conditions such as osteoporosis, trauma, or certain types of cancer.
When a vertebra fractures, it can cause intense back pain, and the bone may compress, affecting the normal alignment of the spine. The good news is that vertebroplasty can stabilise the affected vertebra, helping to reduce pain and improve mobility, all while avoiding the need for traditional surgery.
How does vertebroplasty work?
At Holistic Imaging Geelong, our interventional radiologists use advanced imaging technology to guide the procedure with precision. The process begins with local anaesthetic to numb the affected area and ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the treatment. In some cases, a mild sedative may be used to help you relax during the procedure.
Using high quality imaging guidance, a needle is passed through the skin and into the vertebral fracture. The needle’s placement is continuously monitored with imaging, allowing for precise targeting. Once the needle is positioned correctly, a special medical-grade cement is injected into the fractured vertebra. This cement hardens quickly, stabilising the bone and helping to restore strength to the vertebra.
What are the benefits of vertebroplasty?
The primary benefit of vertebroplasty is pain relief. Most patients experience immediate relief following the procedure, as the cement stabilises the vertebra and limits movement that would otherwise cause pain. This can significantly reduce the discomfort that comes with vertebral compression fractures.
In addition to pain relief, vertebroplasty also offers several other benefits:
- Minimally Invasive: Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that requires only a small incision. This means a quicker recovery time compared to traditional surgery.
- Quick Recovery: Most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a short period of time, often just a few days after the procedure.
- Shorter hospital stay: When compared to traditional surgery
- Reduced Dependence on Pain Medications: By addressing the root cause of the pain, vertebroplasty can help reduce or eliminate the need for long-term pain medications.
Who can benefit from vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is ideal for individuals who have suffered a vertebral compression fracture and are experiencing significant pain that has not responded well to conservative treatments like pain medications or physical therapy. It’s particularly helpful for people with osteoporosis or other conditions that weaken bones, as they are more prone to vertebral fractures.
Why choose Holistic Imaging?
At Holistic Imaging Geelong, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional care with cutting-edge technology. Our experienced interventional radiologists will carefully evaluate your condition and determine if vertebroplasty is the right option for you.
If you are struggling with back pain caused by a vertebral compression fracture, vertebroplasty at Holistic Imaging Geelong could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward regaining pain-free mobility.