Minimal Invasive Surgery - Spondyloplasty (Verterbroplasty)

Is a minimally invasive, non-surgical method which is performed for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures or less common tumors of the vertebral bodies of the spine. It is also performed for painful hemangiomas  or traumatic fractures. Spondyloplasty is performed percutaneously  by introducing a thin needle into the vertebral body under the fluoroscopy or CT guidance. A special polymer (PMMA) is then injected through the needle, which hardens into an extremely durable solid material within a few minutes. The patient is immediately relieved of pain, the kyphosis is significantly improved and usually only a few hours of hospitalization are required. After two - three days the patient returns to his/her daily routine.

The diagnosis is usually made by radio-graphic control with computed tomography (CT) or nowadays with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but only after a detailed clinical examination has been performed.

After the procedure the patient does not need to be treated with painkillers. The success is immediately perceived by the patient and confirmed by CT imaging at the follow-up examination which is usually scheduled within the first month after the procedure.
The reduction or disappearance of pain helps patients regain lost mobility which further assists in the prevention of osteoporosis.