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Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive treatment for compression fractures in the spine. Vertebrae weakened by trauma, osteoporosis or bone cancer can fracture more easily, causing mild to severe pain and in some cases loss of movement.
The vertebroplasty procedure:
You will be given local anesthesia. The interventional radiologist will insert a needle into your back and, guided by X-ray, inject a special bone cement into the fracture.
Old fractures can be treated, but the procedure is most effective on new fractures. The procedure is not used to treat herniated disks or chronic back pain.
Vertebroplasty advantages:
- The minimally invasive procedure takes about an hour and can be done on an outpatient basis.
- Several vertebrae can be treated at once.
- Most patients feel pain relief within 48 hours after the procedure and can resume normal activities immediately.
- Proven to provide lasting relief from the pain associated with compression fractures in most cases.
- Because the cement strengthens the vertebrae, treatment can prevent future compression fractures of treated areas.
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