Are you having a difficult time getting rid of the excessive amount of pain in your back? Depending on how the pain developed, it is possible that your vertebrae are fractured. No matter how much pain medication you take, the pain will likely remain until you get examined by an orthopedic surgeon. You might need to undergo a surgical procedure called vertebroplasty. Take a look at this article for some helpful information about a vertebrae fracture and vertebroplasty.

How Do Vertebrae Become Fractured?

It is common for vertebrae to become fractured after you fall down and your back hits the ground. Getting hit in the back during a brawl can also lead to fractured vertebrae. Sometimes a minor back injury can lead to the condition, such as if you are already suffer from a condition like osteoporosis, or a medical condition that weakens bones and makes them easier to get injured.

Will Any Testing Be Done Before Vertebroplasty Surgery?

One of the tests that will be performed before vertebroplasty surgery is called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). A DXA test is able to detect your bone mineral density, which can help a specialist determine if you are possibly suffering from osteoporosis. You might need to get treated for osteoporosis and undergo vertebroplasty surgery. The specialist will basically confirm if you have shorter than normal vertebrae before vertebroplasty surgery is performed, as the procedure is used to correct it.

What Is the Vertebroplasty Surgical Procedure Like?

On the day of your vertebroplasty surgical procedure, you will be given a gown to put on that is opened in the back area. You will then have to lie down on your stomach on an operating table, which will give the specialist full access to your back. You will be administered either a local or general anesthesia, depending on your comfort level. The specialist will then proceed to create to small incision and insert tubes in it that will reach the fractured vertebrae. Special cement will be fed through the tubes to restructure the vertebrae, and then you will be stitched up.

How Much Is Vertebroplasty Surgery Estimated to Cost?

You should expect to pay a little over $3,000 for the vertebroplasty surgical procedure to be performed as an outpatient. As an inpatient, you are estimated to pay a little under $10,000. However, the price will likely be reduced if you have health insurance coverage. Contact an orthopedic surgeon about your back pain to find out if your vertebrae are fractured. Visit a website like http://www.towncenterorthopaedics.com to learn more.