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Private surgery to reinforce your vertebrae after fractures
The most common type of fracture caused by osteoporosis occurs in the vertebrae - the bones that make up your spine. In some cases coughing, bending, twisting, or turning over in bed can be enough to cause what is known as spinal compression fracture.
During a compression fracture, the vertebra collapses in on itself particularly at the front, producing a wedge-shaped vertebra. If several vertebrae collapse it can cause a curving of the spine and a hump-shaped posture called kyphosis.
This page explains what spinal osteoporosis is and looks at the causes and symptoms of spinal compression fractures, as well as explaining about vertebral augmentation, which is a treatment used to strengthen your spine.
Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private spinal osteoporosis treatment with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.
Spinal osteoporosis doesn't usually cause any symptoms in the early stages and many people are unaware that they have it. Most people don't experience symptoms until they have a spinal compression fracture.
Symptoms of spinal osteoporosis and spinal compression fracture include:
Fractures in the lower spine are usually more painful and cause more problems with movement than fractures in the upper spine. It's possible to have more than one spinal compression fracture at the same time.
You are more likely to develop spinal osteoporosis if you:
Your consultant will typically order tests or scans to make or confirm a diagnosis. These may include:
At Circle Health Group, your first appointment is very important as it's where we get to know you and learn about your individual case, symptoms, and expectations for treatment.
Your first appointment is where you meet your consultant, learn about your diagnosis, and discuss possible treatment options.
It is important to us that you are as well-informed and comfortable as possible before, during, and after your treatment, so please ask your consultant any questions you may have.
After making a diagnosis, your consultant will discuss possible treatment plans with you and decide on the best option based on your diagnosis, individual circumstances, and expectations for treatment.
Treatment for spinal osteoporosis can be non-surgical or surgical. Non-surgical treatments for spinal osteoporosis fractures include:
Vertebral augmentation is a minimally invasive procedure meaning there is no large incision (cut) and there will be minimal damage to your body.
It involves injecting a type of medical 'cement' into the fractured vertebrae through a needle inserted into your skin. The hot cement stabilises the vertebra and also burns off many nerve endings, which helps to reduce pain.
The procedure is performed by a specialist orthopaedic, spinal, or radiology consultant and may be done under local anaesthetic with sedation, or general anaesthetic. The type of anaesthetic you have depends on the type of procedure, the number of vertebrae being treated, and your and your consultant's preferences.
Make sure you tell your consultant about any medical conditions and allergies you have as well as any medications you are taking. If you take blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin, your consultant may tell you to stop taking these for a few days before your procedure.
Depending on the type of anaesthetic you have, you may need to stop eating and drinking for a few hours before your vertebral augmentation.
Vertebral augmentation may be different for everyone, and your procedure may vary depending on your individual situation, how many vertebrae are being treated, and your consultant’s preferences. Talk to your consultant about what will happen during your procedure.
Before the procedure, you will have a cannula (a small plastic tube) inserted into your hand. You will be given sedation or general anaesthetic through this cannula.
After your consultant has washed their hands and put on a surgical gown, mask, hat, and sterile gloves, the area to be operated on is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
You will be positioned on your stomach for the procedure.
First, local anaesthetic is injected to numb the area. When the anaesthetic has taken effect, your surgeon will make a small incision over the fractured vertebra.
Image guidance called a fluoroscope (a type of X-ray) is used to guide the surgeon throughout the procedure. This allows your consultant to see where the needles are positioned and how far they need to be inserted.
During a kyphoplasty, a balloon is inserted into the collapsed space within the vertebra. The balloon is expanded to restore the collapsed vertebra to its full height before being deflated and withdrawn. Bone cement is injected slowly into the collapsed vertebra. After the needles are withdrawn, the incision is closed with steri-strips (thin, adhesive bandages) or glue, and a sterile dressing is applied.
Vertebral augmentation normally takes around an hour depending on the number of vertebrae being treated.
Most people can go home the same day after vertebral augmentation, but in some cases, your consultant may want you to stay in hospital for one night. Talk to your consultant about when you can expect to go home after your procedure.
You will not be able to drive yourself home from the hospital, so make arrangements for someone to come and collect you after your procedure. We can arrange a taxi for you if you prefer.
How soon you can go back to work depends on your recovery and the type of job you do. You should avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for up to six weeks after your procedure. Talk to your consultant about when you can expect to go back to work after your vertebral augmentation.
Don't drive for at least two to three days after your procedure. After this, if your pain is well controlled, you should be safe to drive. Ask your consultant about when you can expect to drive after your procedure.
You will need someone to help you for a day or two after your procedure. After this, you should be able to carry out light tasks.
You may have some pain in your back for a few days after your surgery. Take the pain medication your consultant prescribed as directed. Applying ice packs to the area for five to ten minutes a few times a day can help relieve pain and swelling. Always wrap ice or ice packs in a cloth and never apply ice directly to your skin.
You will need to keep your dressing dry for 48 hours after your surgery.
After the first couple of days, you should be able to gradually increase your level of activity. You may need to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for up to six weeks after your surgery.
Your consultant will arrange a follow-up appointment for you about two weeks after your surgery. Until your follow-up appointment:
At your follow-up appointment, your consultant will review your progress and recovery. Ask your consultant any questions you may have about your recovery and when you can expect to return to normal activities during this follow-up appointment.
Vertebral augmentation is a safe and effective procedure for vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis. Most patients experience relief of back pain within 24 to 48 hours of surgery and a significant improvement in pain, function, ability to carry out self-care tasks, quality of life, and deformity.1
Vertebral augmentation is a minimally invasive procedure that is normally very safe but, as with any surgery, there is a small risk of complications. Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications of surgery before your procedure, and answer any questions you may have, allowing you to make an informed decision.
General risks of surgery include:
Possible risks and complications of vertebral augmentation include:
We answer some of your most frequently asked questions about spinal osteoporosis.
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal (the space inside the vertebrae) is too narrow. It is caused by damage to the spine that may include compression fractures caused by osteoporosis.
Spinal fusion surgery is normally performed for vertebral fractures caused by an accident or injury. For patients with osteoporosis, vertebral augmentation is recommended as it is a less invasive procedure with fewer risks of complications.
Though osteoporosis doesn't shorten your life, vertebral compression fractures caused by spinal osteoporosis can. Research shows that people with compression fractures of the spine die earlier than people of the same age without compression fractures.2
Osteoporosis is not usually painful until a fracture occurs. If you fracture your vertebra, you may feel a sharp pain in your back or neck at the time it occurs. This is commonly followed by a dull, ongoing pain as the vertebra heals.
If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, there are some exercises you can do to improve bone strength and help manage your condition. These include:
Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any exercise regime. Start slowly, build up and stop immediately if you feel any pain.
If you have osteoporosis, you should avoid high-impact exercise, exercise with a high risk of falls, and exercises that involve bending or twisting including:
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about vertebral augmentation surgery, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0141 300 5009.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in December 2022. Next review due December 2025.