Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures for vertebral compression fractures (VCF), which are fractures in vertebra, the bones that make up the spinal column. The surgeries are used to treat pain caused by vertebral compression fractures in the spine. Typically, vertebroplasty is recommended after simpler treatment, such as bed rest, a back brace or pain medication, have been ineffective, or once medications have begun to cause other problems, such as stomach ulcers. Vertebroplasty can be performed immediately in patients who have severe pain requiring hospitalization or conditions that limit bed rest and medications. However, the sooner the treatment is done, the less chance there is for the vertebrae to continue to collapse. Other reasons for vertebroplasty include people unable to tolerate open spinal surgery, those with bones too weak for surgery, and for tumors. Kyphoplasty is performed on patients experiencing painful symptoms or spinal deformities due to vertebral compression fractures resulting from osteoporosis. The procedure should be completed within eight weeks of when the fracture occurs for the highest probability of restoring the spinal bone to its normal height.
Why UAB
Interventional radiology is a medical specialty that uses minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems, and it is an integral part of comprehensive patient care. The UAB Medicine interventional radiology team is a dedicated group of skilled, innovative health care professionals who are committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients.
The group uses the latest and most advanced technology and imaging methods, including fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and CT scans, to treat tumors as well as peripheral arterial, venous, urologic, and hepatobiliary diseases. Each of our five dedicated angiography suites has the full range of imaging technology needed for complex procedures, along with the latest in patient monitoring and documentation systems. Because UAB Medicine is an academic health center, patients may be offered participation in clinical research trials, which can provide access to new techniques and treatments that are not available elsewhere in the area.
The group uses the latest and most advanced technology and imaging methods, including fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and CT scans, to treat tumors as well as peripheral arterial, venous, urologic, and hepatobiliary diseases. Each of our five dedicated angiography suites has the full range of imaging technology needed for complex procedures, along with the latest in patient monitoring and documentation systems. Because UAB Medicine is an academic health center, patients may be offered participation in clinical research trials, which can provide access to new techniques and treatments that are not available elsewhere in the area.
VIDEOS
Adult ECMO Program at UAB Medicine
Pulmonary disease specialist Keith Wille, MD, MSPH, discusses some of the exciting new devices used in UAB Medicine’s adult ECMO program. He shares why it’s so important to have an experienced team initiating and monitoring the course of ECMO, and he reiterates why UAB Medicine is so unique in this regard.
Convenience, innovation, and expanded access to organs set the UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute apart in providing the highest caliber of care to our patients.
Why Choose UAB for Transplant
The UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute has been at the forefront of organ transplantation since we performed our first transplant in 1968. One of the busiest transplant centers in the country, our nationally ranked hospital performs more than 400 transplants annually. We have pioneered new medications, groundbreaking research, and innovative techniques--moving medicine forward, while always keeping our patients as our primary focus.
UAB Multidisciplinary Sarcoidosis Clinic
The UAB Medicine Multidisciplinary Sarcoidosis Clinic combines the expertise of several medical specialties to better understand and treat sarcoidosis. This comprehensive approach helps improve results for our patients. Meet our provider team.
Heart Disease in Women
Salpy Pamboukian, MD - Heart disease is the nation's leading cause of death and a major cause of disability. Heart disease can be inherited (congenital) or acquired during a lifetime of factors such as a damaging diet, lack of exercise, and the presence of stress.
Supportive Care Clinic Virtual Tour
FOX6 Medical Minute - Shilpa Register, OD
Optometrist Shilpa Register, OD, joins the WBRC FOX6 Medical Minute in recognition of Healthy Vision Month, which is May of each year. She discusses warning signs for when you may need to have your vision checked and highlights ways to keep your eyes healthy throughout the year.
RELATED SERVICES
CLINICAL TRIALS
UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.
View Clinical Trials