Vertebroplasty

What is it?

Vertebroplasty is a medical procedure that treats vertebral compression fractures, a common condition caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or malignancies. These fractures can cause severe pain, spinal deformities, and reduce the quality of life. Vertebroplasty is an effective treatment that can relieve pain, stabilize fractured vertebrae, and improve the overall well-being of patients. A spine surgeon performs the procedure in a specialized medical facility.

Benefits of Vertebroplasty:

  • Pain Relief: Vertebroplasty provides rapid and significant pain relief for patients suffering from vertebral compression fractures. Many patients experience immediate or near-immediate relief following the procedure.
  • Fracture Stabilization: By injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra, vertebroplasty stabilizes the bone, preventing further collapse and deformity. This leads to improved spinal alignment and reduces the risk of future fractures.
  • Minimally Invasive: Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, involving small incisions and minimal tissue disruption. This results in shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional open surgeries.
  • Low Complication Rate: Vertebroplasty has a relatively low complication rate, making it a safe and suitable option for many patients, including those who may not be candidates for more invasive spinal procedures.

Procedure

The process includes the following key steps:

  1. Patient Evaluation: The patient’s medical history, diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scans, or MRI), and physical examination are evaluated to confirm the diagnosis of a vertebral compression fracture and assess its location and severity.
  2. Anesthesia: The affected area is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. In some cases, mild sedation may also be used to relax the patient.
  1. Image Guidance: Fluoroscopy, a type of real-time X-ray, is used to guide the insertion of specialized instruments and monitor the procedure.
  1. Needle Insertion: A small incision is made near the affected vertebra, and a hollow needle is carefully guided into the fractured area. This step is performed under fluoroscopic guidance to minimize tissue damage.
  1. Cement Injection: Medical-grade bone cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebral body through the needle. The cement hardens rapidly, stabilizing the fractured vertebra and preventing further collapse.
    1. Post-procedure Evaluation: After the cement is injected and allowed to set, the needle is removed, and the incision is closed with a small bandage. The patient’s response to the procedure is monitored, and any immediate pain relief is noted.