Can you have spine surgery if you have osteoporosis? Weakened bones can introduce complications to surgery, increasing the likelihood of failure. However, that doesn’t mean patients have no treatment options. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides treatments for a wide range of spine conditions in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Here, we explore the spine treatments available to patients with osteoporosis and discuss when surgery might be a possibility.
Key Takeaways
- Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease that causes bones to degrade and become brittle.
- Patients with osteoporosis who receive spine surgery are at greater risk of complications.
- By building up bone density, patients can reduce the likelihood of surgical failure.
- Protective measures can be taken during recovery to ensure a positive outcome.
Understanding Osteoporosis and Bone Density
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones. Healthy bone tissue is dense and strong enough to support the body’s weight. As a person ages, however, their bones naturally lose some of their density. Bones also lose their ability to regrow, allowing wear and tear to accumulate. These combined effects cause bones to become brittle and prone to breaking. The spine is especially vulnerable, potentially leading to fractured vertebrae and flat back syndrome.
Unlike other spine conditions, osteoporosis does not cause noticeable symptoms. In fact, many patients do not know they have osteoporosis until a bone suddenly breaks. If osteoporosis is the suspected cause of a fracture, then physicians will perform a bone density test. This test uses low levels of X-rays to measure calcium content in bones, showing how much the bones have degraded.
Can You Have Spine Surgery If You Have Osteoporosis?
Patients with osteoporosis are susceptible to developing other conditions of the spine. At the same time, they also face unique difficulties in treatment. Osteoporosis can interfere with healing after surgery, resulting in a higher risk of failed back syndrome due to:
- Slower recovery: Bones affected by osteoporosis are slower to repair, resulting in a longer recovery and a greater risk of bones failing to heal correctly.
- Fusion failure: The hampered healing process may also interfere with bone graft regrowth, causing spinal fusions to fail.
- Hardware failure: Screws, rods, and cages require strong bones to anchor them. Hardware set into brittle bones is more likely to come loose.
- New fractures: Brittle bones may break at or near the surgery site, resulting in new pain that requires additional treatment.
For this reason, surgery must be considered carefully before attempting treatment. The decision is often influenced by the bone density test results. With sufficiently high density, the spine surgeon may move forward with treatment, though they will use extra caution. If the density reading is low, however, surgery should be delayed until bone strength can be restored.
Building Bone Density Before Spine Surgery
Even for patients with low bone density, surgery may still be an option. The patient simply needs to rebuild density until their bones are strong enough to handle treatment. There are several methods for doing so:
- Medications: Some prescription medications, including bisphosphonates and hormone medications, can encourage bone regrowth.
- Supplements: Calcium and vitamin D supplements provide your body with the materials it needs to rebuild bones.
- Exercises: Weight-bearing exercises help to strengthen muscles and improve balance, creating support to take stress off the bones.
During this phase, the spine surgeon will coordinate care with the patient’s endocrinologist and primary care physician. This united approach to treatment ensures the best outcome.
Protecting the Spine After Surgery
Equally important is what comes after surgery. Because osteoporosis hampers healing, recovery is extremely sensitive. This phase is when the treatment is most likely to go wrong. To prevent accidents, the surgeon will provide detailed instructions for protecting the spine during recovery. Bracing, activity limits, and fall protection may all be recommended to reduce the risk of an issue. Ongoing bone health follow-ups, meanwhile, let physicians monitor the healing process and recommend adjustments if necessary to ensure a successful outcome.
Learn More About Back Surgery Near You in NJ, FL, or PA
Don’t let osteoporosis prevent you from receiving the care you need. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment at one of our New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania locations.
Osteoporosis and Spine Surgery FAQ
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a degenerative condition that causes bones to break down and become brittle, making them vulnerable to fractures.
Who should be tested for osteoporosis?
Patients who are at risk of osteoporosis should consider getting a bone density test. Risk factors include:
- Being over age 50
- Having gone through menopause
- Having a family history of osteoporosis
- Having osteopenia (bone density loss that has not yet progressed to become osteoporosis)
Can osteoporosis be treated?
Yes, in many cases bone density can be restored through medications, dietary supplements, and exercise.