Vertebral Fracture Repair in Plano, TX

If a spinal bone fractures, it is often treated conservatively with pain management and bracing if the spinal cord is not affected. However, severe fractures may require surgery to realign the spinal vertebrae and strengthen the area of the spine that has been compromised. Vertebral fracture repair surgery comprises a combination of surgical techniques used to repair the fracture and strengthen the spine for proper healing. While North Texas spinal surgeon Dr. Kendall Carll and the entire team at Spine Care of North Texas typically prioritize the use of conservative treatments before resorting to surgery, spinal fractures are serious injuries that require swift and careful treatment to prevent further complications. Contact Spine Care of North Texas for more information about spinal fractures.

There is an extensive list of back conditions and pain symptoms that can be treated with vertebral fracture repair. However, this surgery is not recommended in all back pain situations Dr. Carll may recommend vertebral fracture repair surgery for patients with the following conditions.

• Lumbar, vertebral, cervical, or thoracic spine fractures
• Occipitocervical or spinopelvic dissociation injuries
• Stress fractures of the spine
• Spinal injuries that affect the spinal cord
• Sacral spine fractures, dislocations, and subluxations
• Fractures caused by osteoporosis, cancer, and ankylosing spondylitis

This procedure will be performed under general anesthesia, typically in a hospital setting. To perform a vertebral fracture repair surgery, Dr. Carll will make one or two small incisions in your back. Using fluoroscopy (x-ray technology) he will determine the correct vertebra to be operated on. A small tube will be inserted through the skin and into the vertebral body, through the center of the fracture. At this time, a small balloon-like apparatus is fed through the tube and inflated to help make space for the next part of the surgery. After removing the balloon device, bone cement is injected into the fractured bone through the tube. If need be, this process may be repeated on the other side of the fracture before your incisions are closed. The procedure can take up to two hours if both sides will be treated.

You will be taken to a private hospital room after an hour or so in recovery. Dr. Carll may recommend a course of pain medication to be given during your hospital stay and recovery. Nursing staff will typically help you to stand and begin moving around within a couple of hours of surgery. A brace or corset will be used to restrict improper movement during this time. You can expect to return home later the same day or possibly the day after surgery. A trusted friend or family member should arrange to bring you home from the hospital. Pain is typically drastically decreased after full healing from this procedure, but some pain could remain.

If you are suffering from injuries that are related to fractured vertebrae, don’t assume that time alone will heal these injuries. Dr. Kendall Carll is a board-certified spine surgeon who has the knowledge and skills to help patients address lingering back issues. Call for an evaluation today. Our team offers treatment from four convenient North Texas locations to help make your treatment more accessible. Contact our Plano or Addison offices today to get started toward long-term hope and healing.