Lumbar Vertebroplasty Surgery in India - Cost & Benefits

Vertebroplasty Surgery is an image-guided, minimally invasive surgical procedure that helps to treat compression fractures of the vertebra by injecting bone cement into the affected vertebra. It is one of the most common minimally invasive spine procedures globally. Every year, thousands of people visit India for cost-effective Vertebroplasty. Also, people from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Kenya prefer to see India for affordable and effective Vertebroplasty.

Unsurprisingly, India offers the cheapest Vertebroplasty surgeries under world-renowned surgeons with cutting-edge infrastructure, advanced equipment, and skilled medical staff to offer quality support throughout the treatment procedure. So, if you are looking for reliable and low-cost Vertebroplasty surgeries, you can opt for India. Today, we will help you learn the essential information about Vertebroplasty treatment in India, including what it is, why you need it, the procedure, the cost and more.

Reasons to Perform Vertebroplasty Surgery

Vertebroplasty is a surgical procedure that has been used for treating vertebral fractures and resolves related problems such as nerve compression, spinal pain and discomfort, and spinal conditions like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, spinal scoliosis, or cancer-caused damaged spine. So, before you opt for vertebroplasty, it would be wise to learn more about the reasons for performing this surgery. Here, we will list some common reasons to perform Vertebroplasty-

• When traditional or conservative methods of treating vertebra fractures do not work.
• When you face chronic and severe back pain that affects your daily routine and day-to-day activities.
• Your vertebra is weakened by spinal conditions such as osteoporosis or cancer, which has caused significant damage to your spinal structure.
• The fracture is unstable or deteriorating rapidly; even the slightest pressure can lead to broken bone. For example, the spine vertebra can break by sneezing, coughing, twisting, bending, etc., and can cause a bone fracture or break.
• Lastly, if your vertebra fracture has led to more severe conditions such as accelerated osteoporosis, deep vein thrombosis, loss of height that has caused emotional and social complications, respiratory problems, etc.

Benefits of performing Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty is a surgery that repairs a fractured vertebra. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is mainly used for treating compression spinal fractures. Today, most doctors recommend Vertebroplasty for treating vertebral fractures or compression spinal fractures. This is an advanced method of performing Vertebroplasty that has several benefits, including-

■ Lesser pain – Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anaesthesia. As a result, you fall asleep during the procedure and do not feel much pain. Also, the incisions are relatively smaller than an open surgery, so the pain during the healing process is easily manageable with medications.

■ Faster recovery – Vertebroplasty also ensures faster recovery; you can return on the same day of the procedure or may need to wait overnight.

■ Quick and effective vertebral fracture repair – The procedure of Vertebroplasty is minimally invasive. As a result, the wound quickly heals compared to open surgery wounds.

■ Higher success rate – Another benefit of opting for Vertebroplasty is the higher success rate. When you undergo Vertebroplasty Surgery under a skilled and experienced surgeon from a reputed healthcare provider.

■ Prevent future vertebra damage – Vertebroplasty is a procedure where bone cement is injected into the vertebra to treat the fracture. As a result, it strengthens vertebrae and prevents future vertebra damage.

■ Regain height – Sometimes severe vertebra damage can lead to a bone spur or brake that reduces height. As a result, when you undergo a vertebroplasty, you can regain your spinal strength and increase your height.

Non-surgical Alternatives for Vertebroplasty Surgery

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure. Even though it is a minimal invasion method, it is not recommended for milder cases. A Vertebroplasty is mainly recommended when the non-surgical treatments for compression fracture do not work. Or where the condition is too severe to wait. However, if they are planning to go for a Vertebroplasty, you should also learn about the non-surgical alternatives to make informed decisions-

■ Back braces

Back braces are among the most popular and effective non-surgical treatment alternatives for compression fractures. Your doctor may recommend a back brace if you have a milder fracture.

■ Physical therapy

Another common yet effective non-surgical alternative for Vertebroplasty surgery is physical therapy or physiotherapy—most spinal surgeons advise a physiotherapy session in mild compression fracture cases before moving towards any invasive procedure.

■ Physical activity modification

Modification of physical activities is also a crucial non-surgical alternative for Vertebroplasty in mild vertebra fracture cases. Your healthcare provider may suggest you rest and avoid certain physical activities that involve bending, twisting and putting pressure on the spine.

■ Perform targeted exercise

In some cases, performing targeted exercise to improve spinal alignment helps stop further bone fractures or damage that leads to nerve compression and other problems.

■ Medication

For mild cases of compression spinal fracture, your healthcare provider can prescribe medicines such as analgesic drugs to manage spinal pain and discomfort that extends to the legs or even the neck.

■ Steroid injections

Vertebra fractures that cause nerve compression can result in severe and chronic back and leg pain. Steroid injections can help to relax the muscles and nerves of the spine to manage pain and discomfort associated with vertebra fracture and compression.

Vertebroplasty Surgery Procedure

Vertebroplasty, also known as balloon Vertebroplasty, uses an inflated balloon to pass bone cement into the fractured vertebra, which is quite similar to kyphoplasty surgery. Although these procedures are identical, they are not the same. Below, we will discuss the Vertebroplasty surgery procedure for your knowledge-

■ Preparing for the surgery

You need to perform essential tests and x-ray scans as the surgeon prescribes. You should also wear loose-fitting clothes. Prepare all your insurance papers and medical records before going to the surgery. You may also take medicines prescribed by the doctor.

■ During the procedure

During the procedure, an anaesthesiologist will give you mild sedation with general anaesthesia to make you fall asleep. Once the anaesthesia starts to work, your surgeon will insert a hollow needle with a posterior approach into the skin. Then, they will use fluoroscopy, an X-ray device, to help them reach the correct position with the trocar or hollow needle. Once it has reached the affected vertebra. The surgeon will inject bone cement through the needle to strengthen the vertebra and heal the fracture to prevent further damage.

Vertebroplasty Surgery Recovery Time

Vertebroplasty recovery time can vary from one case to another as every individual has different anatomy and vertebral problems. A patient can return home after the surgery after a few hours of rest and resume routine activities when the anaesthetic wears off. It takes a few days for initial recovery. At the same time, complete healing can take a few weeks. A patient should avoid strenuous activities before complete healing after the surgery. In some complex cases, the recovery time may be more than usual. Consult with your surgeon for a more personalised recovery plan.

Vertebroplasty Surgery Cost in India

Vertebroplasty surgery costs in India depend on hospital location, hospital charges, surgeon’s fees, and other medical expenses. Also, India offers world-class vertebroplasty treatment at affordable charges. In general, the cost of vertebroplasty in India can range from $5,500 to $6,500. Consult with your healthcare provider for an accurate and detailed cost estimation for the procedure.

Vertebroplasty Surgery Insurance Coverage

Every health insurance policy is different; not all offer similar coverage for vertebroplasty procedures. In India, vertebroplasty is usually covered by health insurance policies. However, it must be evaluated as medically necessary to get the coverage. Some policies offer partial coverage, while others cover other related medical expenses. Consult with your healthcare provider and insurance provider to know whether your existing policy can cover your vertebroplasty operation and the amount of coverage you can get for it.

Vertebroplasty Surgery FAQs