Vetebroplasty

Fractures of the vertebrae have traditionally been much more difficult to manage than broken bones in the hip, wrist or elsewhere. These broken bones can often be successfully treated with surgery. But because surgery on the spine is extremely difficult and risky, it has typically not been used to treat vertebral fractures associated with osteoporosis except as a last resort. Until recently, reduced activity and pain medications, many of which cause problematic side effects, or invasive (and often unsuccessful) back surgery were virtually the only treatments available. Today, however, there is a safe, non-surgical treatment called vertebroplasty (ver-TEE-bro-plasty) that has been shown to be extremely effective in reducing or eliminating the pain caused by spinal fractures.

This usually provides pain relief and increased mobility within 48 hours. Over several weeks, two-thirds of patients can expect a marked decrease in their doses of pain medications. Many patients become symptom-free. Three-quarters of patients can expect to increase their mobility and activity levels. Vertebroplasty cannot correct curvature of the spine caused by osteoporosis, but may help to prevent worsening curvature. The procedure treats only the fractured vertebra. It does not prevent future compression fracture at other levels. performed using state-of-the-art imaging (fluoroscopic) guidance. The procedure is usually performed in the morning. Patients must be able to lie face down for 1-2 hours. Some patients with severe emphysema or other lung diseases may have difficulty lying in this position. Our team of professionals will make you as comfortable as possible. An intravenous line is placed in the arm to decrease anxiety and control pain. Intravenous antibiotics are also administered to prevent infection.

After using a local anesthetic to numb the skin and muscle, a needle is positioned in the collapsed vertebral body. A contrast agent (contains iodine) is injected to confirm proper needle placement, followed by the cement-like material. Medical-grade cement is similar to epoxy or glue. It is injected in a liquid form that quickly hardens over 10-20 minutes. A CT scan is sometimes obtained after vertebroplasty to evaluate the distribution of cement.

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