Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in bone marrow. These cancerous cells accumulate in the bone marrow, producing abnormal proteins and weakening the bones. A common complication of multiple myeloma is compression fractures, particularly in the spine, which can cause significant pain and disability.
At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we specialize in treating compression fractures caused by multiple myeloma. Using advanced techniques like kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty, we help patients find relief and improve their quality of life. Additionally, we focus on preventing further fractures by working with a patient’s care team to address underlying bone weakness.
What Is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma develops when plasma cells, a type of white blood cell, grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow. Plasma cells normally help fight infections by making antibodies. In multiple myeloma, however, these cells produce abnormal proteins that can damage bones, kidneys, and the immune system.
One of the most common problems for patients with multiple myeloma is bone damage. The disease weakens the bones by disrupting normal bone remodeling. Healthy bones are constantly being broken down and rebuilt, but multiple myeloma accelerates the breakdown process without proper rebuilding. This leads to osteolytic lesions—areas where bone tissue is destroyed.
How Multiple Myeloma Causes Compression Fractures
Compression fractures occur when bones in the spine, called vertebrae, collapse under pressure. In patients with multiple myeloma, these fractures happen because the disease weakens the bones. As the vertebrae become fragile, even mild activities like bending or lifting can cause them to collapse.
The result is not only back pain but also reduced mobility and a decreased quality of life. Patients often experience height loss, posture changes, and difficulty performing daily activities. This is why treating these fractures quickly and effectively is crucial for patients with multiple myeloma.
Treating Compression Fractures with Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we offer kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty to treat compression fractures in patients with multiple myeloma. Both procedures are minimally invasive and provide fast relief from pain.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is a procedure designed to stabilize fractured vertebrae and restore height to the collapsed bone. During the procedure, a small balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra and inflated. This creates space within the bone and helps restore its shape. Once the space is made, a special bone cement is injected into the cavity to harden and stabilize the vertebra.
The benefits of kyphoplasty include:
- Immediate pain relief for most patients
- Restoration of lost height from the compression fracture
- Improved spinal alignment and posture
- Reduced risk of future fractures
Kyphoplasty is especially effective for patients with multiple myeloma because it addresses the damage caused by both the disease and the fracture itself.
Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is another minimally invasive procedure used to stabilize compression fractures. Unlike kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty does not involve inflating a balloon. Instead, bone cement is directly injected into the collapsed vertebra to reinforce and stabilize it.
Vertebroplasty offers benefits such as:
- Significant pain relief in the days following the procedure
- Stabilization of the fractured vertebra
- Prevention of further vertebral collapse
Both kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty have high success rates for pain relief and mobility improvement in patients with compression fractures from multiple myeloma. Choosing between the two depends on the patient’s specific condition, and we tailor our approach based on individual needs.
Preventing Further Compression Fractures in Multiple Myeloma Patients
After treating a compression fracture, preventing further fractures becomes a priority. Multiple myeloma weakens the bones over time, so ongoing care is essential. At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we work closely with your oncologists and other specialists to provide comprehensive care aimed at preventing additional fractures.
Bone Health Management
One of the main ways to prevent further compression fractures is to strengthen the bones. Patients with multiple myeloma often have low bone density due to the disease, making them more vulnerable to fractures. To address this, we focus on bone health management strategies such as:
- Bisphosphonates: These medications slow down the breakdown of bone tissue, reducing the risk of fractures. Bisphosphonates are commonly prescribed for patients with multiple myeloma to strengthen bones and prevent future fractures.
- Denosumab: This medication helps reduce bone loss and is particularly useful for patients who cannot tolerate bisphosphonates.
- Vitamin D and Calcium: Ensuring adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is crucial for bone health. These nutrients help support bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Physical therapy plays a vital role in preventing future compression fractures. A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to improve strength, flexibility, and posture. Low-impact exercises, such as walking and swimming, can help maintain bone health without putting too much stress on fragile bones.
Exercise also helps improve balance, which reduces the risk of falls—a common cause of fractures in patients with weak bones. By staying active, patients can maintain better overall health and reduce the likelihood of future fractures.
Regular Monitoring
Patients with multiple myeloma need regular monitoring to assess their bone health. This includes bone density tests (DEXA scans) and imaging studies to detect early signs of bone damage or fractures. By catching potential problems early, we can intervene before another fracture occurs.
Comprehensive Care for Multiple Myeloma Patients
Understanding the challenges patients with multiple myeloma face is a critical part of providing the best care. Compression fractures can have a significant impact on daily life, but with the right treatment and prevention strategies, patients can regain mobility and enjoy a better quality of life.
Treating compression fractures with either kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty to stabilize the spine and relieve pain is part of the process. Working with patients and their oncologists to implement preventive measures, ensuring long-term bone health is the other.
Multiple myeloma and its complications, including compression fractures, can significantly affect patients’ quality of life.
At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we specialize in treating these fractures using kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty, two highly effective, minimally invasive procedures that provide relief from pain and restore mobility.
In addition to treating fractures, we prioritize the prevention of future fractures by focusing on bone health management, physical therapy, and ongoing monitoring. Our collaborative approach ensures that patients receive the comprehensive care they need to manage both their myeloma and its impact on their bones.
If you or a loved one is dealing with multiple myeloma and suffering from compression fractures, we’re here to help. At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we provide expert care to help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life.