Suffering From Compression Fractures In The Spine? Kyphoplasty Or Vertebroplasty Can Help
If you're suffering from a spinal compression fracture, you know that the pain is incredibly debilitating. Fully recovering from this condition requires one of two surgical procedures: kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty. Understanding these two procedures and their cost investment can help you make the right decision.
Kyphoplasty, Its Benefits, and Risks
When you suffer from a spinal compression fracture, a surgeon is likely to suggest a kyphoplasty surgical procedure. This surgery will stop the pain by raising the vertebrae and stabilizing it. It's performed by inserting a small tube into your back near the fractured area, fitting a small balloon in the tube, and filling it with air. Then, polymethylmethacrylate, a hardening substance, will be inserted in the vertebrae to lift and stabilize the spine.
There are multiple benefits of this procedure, chief among them a large decrease in back pain. It can also increase your height slightly by supporting the compressed spine. However, there are certain risks that can occur during the procedure, including
- Leakage of the hardening agent into the spine
- Nerve injury
- Heart problems
- Embolism
Vertebroplasty, Its Benefits, and Risks
Vertebroplasty is similar to kyphoplasty, in that a hardening cement will be injected into fractures in your spine. However, it differs from the former procedure by the size of the injection: the injection sites are about the size of a typical syringe. This is much smaller than the large tube used in kyphoplasty, making this a much less invasive procedure.
For people afraid of the invasive nature of kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty is often a great substitute. Unfortunately, complications can still occur with this procedure, such as damaged spinal tissue, problems that may be fatal or permanently debilitating.
Generally speaking, smaller compression fractures are the most appropriate type to treat with veretbroplasty. Problems, such as hemangiomas and small fractures react very well to this procedure. However, larger fractures, including those that affect your height, are probably better served by kyphoplasty.
Cost Analysis of Both Procedures
These surgical procedures are fairly expensive, but vertebroplasty is generally the cheaper of the two. One spinal surgery cost source states that vertebroplasty costs just under $10,000, while kyphoplasty can cost almost $14,000. However, both procedures will generally be covered by insurance, as neither are considered elective surgery.
Thankfully, this can drive your personal investment down to a minimal co-pay. However, if you don't have insurance, you may be forced to invest in vertebroplasty, even if you are interested in kyphoplasty. It all depends on whether or not your hospital will create a payment option for a procedure with such a high cost.
Now that you have a good feel for the pros and cons of each of these procedures, you should have a good idea of which works best for you. Just make sure to talk to your doctor before choosing one. They can help examine the specifics of your case and decide which works best for you. For more information, visit kyphoplasty practice websites like http://swfna.com.
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