Duke Cerebrovascular Center offers comprehensive care for patients with
vertebral compression fractures (VCF). VCF are fractures in the
vertebra, the small bones that make up the spinal column.
When a vertebra fractures, the usual shape of the bone becomes compressed, causing pain.
These compression fractures are a common symptom and result of
osteoporosis which is a disease that results in a loss of normal bone
density. Occasionally, the vertebral bodies can become weakened by
cancer.
Diagnosis
When VCF is suspected, our specialists do a thorough evaluation of the
patient to determine if the fracture can be treated with vertebroplasty
or kyphoplasty.
Our clinical evaluations include diagnostic imaging, blood tests, a
physical exam, spine x-rays, and a radio-isotope bone scan or magnetic
resonance (MR) imaging.
Once the compression fracture has been located, our doctors determine
whether a vertebroplasty or a kyphoplasty is the most suitable form of
treatment.
Treatments
We offer vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty as minimally invasive treatments for vertebral compression fractures.
In vertebroplasty, our physicians use image guidance to inject a
special cement mixture through a hollow needle into the fractured bone.
In kyphohplasty, a balloon is first inserted through the needle into
the fractured bone to restore the height and shape of the vertebra.
Once the balloon is removed, the cement mixture is injected.
Appointments
For information about scheduling an appointment with a specific doctor, visit the Contact Us page.
Physicians
Physicians offering this service include:
Locations
This service is available at:
