PVPS Procedure

The PVPS procedure refers to Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Percutaneous Kyphoplasty for Spinal fractures, however more commonly it is known as Percutaneous Vertebroplasty (PVP) and Percutaneous Kyphoplasty (PKP) for spinal fractures or Percutaneous Vertebral Plasty and Stabilization in some contexts but most commonly it stands for Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation and Stabilization which is a minimally invasive procedure used to stabilize and strengthen compressed or fractured vertebrae, typically in the spine.

What happens during the procedure?

Detailed steps of the PVPS procedure include:

• Preparation: The patient is given local anesthesia and possibly light sedation to minimize discomfort. The patient lies on their stomach, and the skin over the affected area is cleaned and disinfected.
• Insertion of needles: Under fluoroscopic guidance (live X-ray imaging), a small needle is inserted through the skin into the fractured vertebra.
• Inflation of balloon (in PKP): In the case of kyphoplasty, a small balloon is inserted through the needle and inflated to restore the height of the vertebra. The balloon is then removed.
• Injection of bone cement: A special bone cement is injected into the vertebra through the needle. This cement hardens quickly, providing stability to the fractured bone.
• Removal of needles and completion: Once the cement is in place, the needles are removed, and the skin is cleaned and bandaged.

Purpose and Benefits

The primary purpose of PVPS (or PVP/PKP) is to:

• Relieve pain: By stabilizing the fracture, the procedure can significantly reduce or eliminate the pain caused by the vertebral compression fracture.
• Restore mobility: Patients often experience improved mobility and a reduction in disability following the procedure.
• Prevent further collapse: The bone cement helps to prevent further collapse of the vertebra, which can lead to additional pain and complications.

Risks and Complications

While generally considered safe, PVPS carries potential risks and complications, including:

• Infection: As with any invasive procedure, there is a risk of infection.
• Bleeding or hematoma: Bleeding at the needle site can occur but is usually minimal.
• Leakage of bone cement: There is a small chance that the bone cement could leak out of the vertebra, potentially causing nerve damage or other complications.
• Nerve damage: The procedure involves working near nerves, and there is a risk, although small, of nerve damage leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Post-Procedure Care

After the PVPS procedure:

• Rest: Patients are usually advised to rest for a day or two after the procedure.
• Pain management: Pain medication may be prescribed to manage any discomfort following the procedure.
• Follow-up care: A follow-up appointment with the doctor is necessary to check on the healing progress and remove any sutures if present.

Conclusion

PVPS, or more accurately PVP/PKP for spinal fractures, is a minimally invasive procedure that offers relief from pain caused by vertebral compression fractures. While it has its benefits, understanding the potential risks and complications is crucial. Patients should discuss their specific situation with their healthcare provider to determine if this procedure is appropriate for them.