About Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty is a minimally-invasive, image-guided, outpatient procedure used to treat the pain associated with vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis and metastatic tumors. Patients should be referred to a specialist for treatment, which include interventional radiologists, neuro-radiologists, surgeons and pain management physicians.

During vertebroplasty, one or two bone biopsy needles are inserted into the collapsed vertebra through a small incision in the patient's back; the stylet is removed and acrylic bone cement can be injected through the cannula to stabilize the fracture. The procedure typically requires a local anesthetic.

For most patients, vertebroplasty provides immediate and lasting relief of the pain related to vertebral compression fractures. Many patients return to their normal activities within only a few days of having the procedure, and most report continued relief from pain months and years later. In some cases, vertebroplasty can also prevent further collapse of the vertebra, height loss and spine curvature.

Review our frequently asked questions or Clinical Research for more information about this innovative procedure.

Primary care providers, assist your patients by providing information on vertebroplasty in your office. Complete our request form or download information.

History

Before 1995, pain associated with compression fractures was treated only with analgesics, bed rest and external bracing. However, these conservative measures are now considered the first line of treatment; for many patients the pain is severe and continues for weeks or months in spite of initial treatment.

Deramond and Galibert, in Amiens, France, first performed a percutaneous vertebral augmentation in 1984. Their patient had severe pain from an aggressive hemangioma involving the C2 vertebra. Using fluoroscopic guidance, Dr. Deramond placed a large bore needle into the C2 vertebral body and infused polymethylmethacrylate, relieving the patient's pain completely. Soon, the indications were broadened by Desquenel to include patients treated for pain resulting from vertebral collapse secondary to osteoporosis or malignant infiltration. Deramond and Galibert reported their first seven procedures in 1987, and called the procedure "percutaneous vertebroplasty."

Clinical studies have demonstrated increasing success rates and extremely low complication rates (<3% for osteoporotic patients). More than 400,000 patients have already benefited from this therapy with significant and durable pain relief. Vertebroplasty has become the standard of care for treatment of the pain associated with vertebral compression fractures.

Primary cause of VFC's: Osteoporosis

Primary osteoporosis (age-related loss of bone density) is the most common etiology of vertebral compression fractures. Learn more.