Vertebroplasty

The Vertebroplasty procedure is effective for relieving pain from spinal compression fractures and helping to stabilize the fracture.

Vertebroplasty is a minimally-invasive procedure for painful compression fractures of the spine. The procedure is performed using x-ray guidance to accurately place specifically-formulated acrylic bone cement into a partially-compressed vertebral body. During the vertebroplasty procedure, the bone cement is injected in fluid form through a needle placed in the skin and into the vertebral body. Before it hardens, the cement fills the spaces of the damaged bone, stabilizing the spinal fractures.

Who can benefit from a vertebroplasty procedure?

The vertebroplasty procedure is most effective for people who have suffered recent compression fractures, but in some cases, older fractures can be treated. These vertebral compression fractures may be caused by primary or secondary osteoporosis or benign and malignant tumors.

Benefits of the Vertebroplasty Procedure

• Minimally-invasive procedure; performed using x-ray
• Reduction or elimination of general anesthesia
• Elimination of complications that may result from open surgery
• Rapid recovery time
• Typically no overnight hospitalization required
• Most patients report pain relief or elimination within 48 hours
• Significantly reduces or eliminates pain in up to 90 percent of patients
• Prevents old compression fractures from further collapse

Watch the Vertebroplasty video to understand how it works.

Before the Vertebroplasty Procedure

A physical exam, as well as diagnostic tests such as x-rays, MRI and bone scans will be reviewed to pinpoint the location of the fractured vertebrae and to determine if the vertebroplasty procedure is appropriate.

During the Vertebroplasty Procedure

The vertebroplasty procedure requires that the patient lie on their stomach throughout the entire procedure. Typically, the vertebroplasty procedure is performed under local anesthetic (for the area being treated) and sedation. A small nick is made in the skin and a needle is inserted. Biocompatible bone cement is injected through the needle and into the vertebral body. The needle is then removed and the cement allowed to harden. The small opening is covered with a bandage. The vertebroplasty procedure can take one to two hours, depending on the number of vertebrae being treated.

After the Vertebroplasty Procedure

The patient is required to remain in observation for one to two hours after the vertebroplasty procedure. Typically, patients are then released to go home and should be able to resume normal activities within one or two days. Some patients experience immediate pain relief after the vertebroplasty procedure and most report that their pain is gone or diminished within 48 hours. However, patients may experience some discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted after having the vertebroplasty procedure.

View other options for Spinal Fracture Repair