PVA (Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation)

PVA (percutaneous vertebral augmentation) is a minimally invasive spinal procedure. Percutaneous means through the skin, vertebral indicates a vertebra, and augmentation means adding to – thus, PVA involves augmenting a vertebra that has fractured due to osteoporosis or injury in an effort to promote stability. The goal is to reduce pain and improve flexibility and function of the spine.

What is Involved?

There are actually two forms of PVA, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Each of these methods can be performed quickly and under mild anesthetic. Typically, the recovery time is very short with these procedures, and patients often report pain relief soon afterward.

• Vertebroplasty – In this procedure, the doctor injects a cement-like mixture into fractured vertebra which hardens to stabilize the fracture.
• Kyphoplasty – Sometimes, a fractured vertebra collapses into a wedge shape. In this procedure, a balloon device is inserted into the compacted vertebra in an effort to restore it to a more normal shape. Then, a cement-like material is injected into the space created by the balloon, which hardens and retains the correction that has been made.

More Information

As with any surgical procedure, always consult with your doctor to determine the specific condition that is causing your pain and other symptoms. Often, conservative, nonsurgical treatments are very effective in managing back and neck pain. However, your doctor can help you make the best choice among treatment options, including whether a minimally invasive PVA procedure may be able to help you correct a fractured vertebra.