These fractures are most commonly linked to osteoporosis, but can also result from injury or conditions like cancer that weaken the bones. Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive treatment option that helps stabilize the spine and relieve pain, offering an alternative to more invasive surgery for many patients.
What Is Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat spinal compression fractures.
During the procedure, a provider injects a specialized vertebroplasty cement (medical-grade bone cement) directly into the fractured vertebra. This cement quickly hardens, helping to stabilize the bone and reduce movement at the fracture site—one of the main sources of pain.
Vertebroplasty is typically performed using advanced imaging guidance, such as X-ray or fluoroscopy, to ensure precise placement of the needle and cement. Because it does not require large incisions, it is considered a minimally invasive spine procedure.
What Conditions Does Vertebroplasty Treat?
Vertebroplasty is most often used to treat a vertebral compression fracture, but it can be effective for several related conditions, including:
- Osteoporotic compression fractures (the most common reason for treatment)
- Spinal fractures caused by trauma or injury
- Fractures related to tumors or cancer affecting the spine
By stabilizing the affected vertebra, vertebroplasty helps address the underlying cause of pain rather than just masking symptoms.
Who Is a Candidate for Vertebroplasty?
Not every spinal fracture requires vertebroplasty, but it may be recommended for patients who:
- Experience significant or ongoing pain from a compression fracture
- Have pain that limits mobility or daily activities
- Have not found relief with rest, bracing, or medication
- Are not ideal candidates for open spine surgery
To determine if vertebroplasty is appropriate, providers typically use imaging such as MRI or CT scans to confirm the presence and severity of the fracture. A thorough evaluation ensures that the treatment plan is tailored to each patient’s needs.
What Are the Benefits of Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty offers several advantages, especially for patients seeking a less invasive solution:
- Rapid pain relief, often within a few days
- Stabilization of the fractured vertebra
- Improved mobility and ability to perform daily activities
- Minimally invasive approach with no large incision
- Short recovery time for vertebroplasty, allowing many patients to return home the same day
- Reduced reliance on pain medications
For many patients, these benefits can lead to a meaningful improvement in overall quality of life.
What Are the Risks or Side Effects of Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is generally considered a low-risk procedure, but like any medical treatment, there are potential side effects. These may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Leakage of vertebroplasty cement (rare and typically minor)
- Temporary soreness at the injection site
Your care team will review all potential risks with you and take steps to minimize complications, ensuring the procedure is performed as safely as possible.
Vertebroplasty Care at Neuroscience Group
At Neuroscience Group, patients receive expert, personalized care for spine conditions, including minimally invasive procedures like vertebroplasty. Each treatment plan is developed based on a thorough evaluation, ensuring the approach aligns with your specific condition, symptoms, and goals.
If you are experiencing back pain from a spinal compression fracture or exploring treatment options, the team at Neuroscience Group is here to help. Request an appointment today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat spinal compression fractures. A provider injects medical-grade bone cement directly into the fractured vertebra, which quickly hardens to stabilize the bone and reduce the painful movement at the fracture site.
What conditions can vertebroplasty treat?
Vertebroplasty most often treats osteoporotic compression fractures, the most common reason for the procedure, but it can also address spinal fractures caused by trauma or injury, and fractures related to tumors or cancer affecting the spine.
Who is a good candidate for vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty may be recommended for patients with significant or ongoing pain from a compression fracture, pain that limits mobility or daily activities, no relief from rest, bracing, or medication, or who aren’t ideal candidates for open spine surgery.
How quickly does vertebroplasty relieve pain?
Many patients experience rapid pain relief, often within a few days of the procedure.
What are the benefits of vertebroplasty?
Benefits include rapid pain relief, stabilization of the fractured vertebra, improved mobility, a minimally invasive approach with no large incision, a short recovery time that often allows same-day return home, and reduced reliance on pain medications.
What are the risks of vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is generally considered low-risk, but potential side effects can include infection, bleeding, rare and typically minor cement leakage, and temporary soreness at the injection site.
How is a vertebroplasty candidacy confirmed?
Providers typically use imaging such as MRI or CT scans to confirm the presence and severity of the fracture before recommending the procedure, ensuring the treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s specific needs.