History :
A 71-year-old woman came to us after slipping and falling at home around 10 pm on May 25, 2023. This fall resulted in low back pain, which was caused by osteoporosis. In osteoporosis, even a simple fall can lead to a fracture, which is quite common.
After the fall, she couldn’t move and lay on the floor for a while. Eventually, she managed to crawl to the phone and called her son for help. Any movement was very painful for her. Her son brought her to Spine Pain Treatment in Pune Dr. Sangram Rajale , where we discovered the fracture in her back.
Aside from the fracture, there were no other injuries from the fall. She has a history of hypertension for the past 10 years and is taking medication for it. Her lower back pain worsens when she moves in bed, walks, sits, or lies on her back.
Examination of spine:
The patientโs gait (walking), ability to perform heel and toe walks, and range of motion (ROM) in the lumbar-sacral (LS) spine could not be assessed due to pain.
MRI :
LS SPINE
The lumbar spine shows degenerative changes, including a compression fracture in the body of the D12 vertebra. This fracture has caused a slight reduction in the height of the vertebra, and there is also marrow edema (swelling) or contusion in the same area.
- Additionally, there is an old anterior wedge collapse of the body of the D11 vertebra, indicating a previous fracture or injury in that region.
Operation :
A D12 vertebroplasty procedure was performed by Spine Injury Doctor in Pune Dr. Sangram Rajale using local anesthesia. Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures. In this case, it was specifically aimed at treating a D12 vertebral fracture classified as an AOF Type 2 fracture.
OPERATING SURGEON : Top Spine Specialist in Pune Dr. Sangram Rajale
Condition On Discharge :
These statements provide a summary of the patient’s condition after undergoing vertebroplasty:
- The patient was stable, and no immediate concerns or complications following the surgery.
- She was able to walk immediately after the surgery, which suggested that good mobility and function of the treated area.
- The patient experienced 100% pain relief, which indicating that the vertebroplasty successfully alleviated the pain associated with the vertebral compression fracture.
- The patient is ambulating with full weight-bearing, using a walker for support suggesting that she is able to bear weight on the treated vertebra without significant discomfort or difficulty.
- Active ankle and toe movements are present, indicating that there is no impairment of nerve function or mobility in the lower extremities.
- There are no signs of delayed neurologic deficits, which is a positive indicator of the success and safety of the vertebroplasty procedure.
Overall, the patient had a successful vertebroplasty procedure with good pain relief, mobility, and absence of complications.
FAQ's :
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures. During the procedure, bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it and reduce pain
Vertebroplasty is primarily used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or certain bone tumors. It is especially effective for fractures that have not responded well to conservative treatments like pain medications and rest.
Vertebroplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia. Using imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy or X-ray, a needle is inserted into the fractured vertebra. Bone cement is then injected through the needle into the vertebra to stabilize it and alleviate pain.
Vertebroplasty can provide immediate pain relief and improve mobility for patients with vertebral compression fractures. It is a minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications, and most patients can return to their normal activities relatively quickly after the surgery.
While vertebroplasty is generally safe, there are some potential risks and complications. These can include infection at the injection site, leakage of bone cement into surrounding tissues, nerve injury, or allergic reactions to the bone cement. However, serious complications are rare, and the benefits of vertebroplasty often outweigh the risks for eligible patients.
Please note that these answers provide general information about vertebroplasty, and individual experiences may vary. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and advice regarding specific medical conditions and treatments.