How it works

Diagnosis  How the procedure works  Post operative

This information is designed to walk you through how Vertebroplasty, an outpatient procedure, works so that you make an informed decision about vertebroplasty as a method of treating a vertebral compression fracture. Only a doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure. Please discuss any questions with your physician.

Diagnosis

In a compression fracture of the vertebrae, the bone tissue of the vertebral body collapses. More than one vertebra may be affected. This condition is commonly caused by osteoporosis and less often by tumor, or trauma to the back.

When the fracture occurs as a result of osteoporosis, the vertebrae in the thoracic (chest) and lower spine are usually affected, and symptoms may become worse with walking.

With multiple fractures, kyphosis, a forward hump-like curvature of the spine, may result. Pressure on the spinal cord may occur producing symptoms of numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Symptoms depend upon the area of the back that is affected. In some cases, the fracture heals without treatment and the pain goes away. In others, the bone does not stabilize and continues to move, causing persistent pain that in turn limits physical activities and reduces independence.

How the procedure works

Vertebroplasty requires that you lie on your stomach through the entire procedure, which is performed under local anesthesia and light sedation. A small nick is then made in the skin near the spine, and a needle is inserted. Biocompatible bone cement will be injected through the needle and into the vertebral body. The needle is removed and the cement is allowed to harden. The small opening is covered with a bandage.

Step 1: Initial Entry: A biopsy needle is guided into the fractured vertebra through a small incision in the skin.

Step 2a: Stabilization: Acrylic bone cement is injected into the vertebra

Inset: Magnified view of the interior vertebra with the cement filling in the spaces.

Step 2b: Acrylic bone cement fills the spaces within the bone.

Post operative

This procedure can take from 1-2 hours (depending on how many vertebrae are treated). You will be required to remain for observation for one to two hours. Typically, patients are then released to go home and resume normal activities within 24-48 hours. In most cases, pain caused by vertebral compression fractures will be gone or diminished within 48 hours. You might experience some discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted.

Review Resources for more information about Vertebroplasty, including recent studies related to the procedure and patient outcomes.

Back to top

For more information, call
1-877-620-BACK or use our online request form.