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
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and the second most common malignancy in both men and women. Aline Zouk, MD, explains that many of these deaths are preventable via early low-dose CT scan screening among smokers and early-stage treatment.
Keith Wille MD, MSPH, provides an update on UAB Medicine’s adult ECMO program.
Learn more about pancreatic cancer from Sushanth Reddy, MD, and J. Bart Rose, MD, from the UAB Pancreatobiliary Disease Center.
Convenience, innovation, and expanded access to organs set the UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute apart in providing the highest caliber of care to our patients.
Meet the UAB Medicine Multidisciplinary Sarcoidosis Clinic's provider team
Please join us in welcoming Elise Agostinelli, OD, to the pediatric optometry team at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Clinic-Trussville. Call or text 844-UAB-EYES to schedule an appointment today.
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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