Vertebroplasty

Procedure Description:

Common Questions about this Procedure:

What is Vertebroplasty?
Who is Eligible for Vertebroplasty?
What is the Pre-Procedure Evaluation?
How is Vertebroplasty Performed?
What are the Results of Vertebroplasty?

What is Vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to reinforce fractured bone, alleviate chronic back pain and prevent further vertebral collapse. After carefully placing a large-bore needle into the collapsed vertebral body, cement-like material (bone mineral substitute) is injected to stabilize and strengthen the weakened or crushed bone. The procedure treats only the fractured vertebra and does not prevent future compression fracture at other levels.

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Who is Eligible for Vertebroplasty?

Candidates for evaluation for the procedure include men and women with back pain persisting beyond 3-4 weeks and debilitation due to vertebral collapse. Typically, conservative treatments (bed rest, back brace, oral pain medications) have previously failed. Most patients are elderly (average age 70 years), but younger patients with osteoporosis, due to metabolic disorders or long-term steroid treatment, may also benefit from vertebroplasty. Patients with vertebral destruction from malignant tumors may also be candidates for the procedure.

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What is the Pre-Procedure Evaluation?

All patients are evaluated by an interventional radiologist and/or anesthesiologist specializing in pain management prior to vertebroplasty. During the consult patients will be evaluated for all potential therapies including medical, physical, and interventional treatments including vertebroplasty.

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How is Vertebroplasty Performed?

Patients must be able to lie prone for one to two hours. Using fluoroscopic guidance, a specially designed large gauge needle is passed into the vertebral body. Iodinated contrast is injected to confirm proper needle placement, followed by the injection of liquid medical-grade cement. If cement does not cross the midline, the procedure is repeated from the contralateral side. The actual injection of cement takes only 10 minutes. Once injected, the cement quickly hardens in 10-20 minutes.

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What are the Results of Vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty is an image-guided, percutaneous procedure that usually provides pain relief and increased mobility within 48 hours. Over several weeks, two-thirds of patients find that they are able to significantly decrease their doses of pain medications. Many patients become symptom-free. Three-quarters of patients significantly increase their mobility and activity levels. Vertebroplasty cannot correct curvature of the spine caused by osteoporosis; however, the procedure may help to prevent worsening curvature. Vertebroplasty may prevent the need for placement of rods and screws to support the spine.

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