Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty was developed in 1984 as a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic compression fractures. The procedure involves direct injection of bone cement into the affected vertebral body using fluoroscopic guidance.

Vertebroplasty can be performed on an outpatient basis and requires only 2 hours of recovery time. The Vertebroplasty procedure takes an average of 20 minutes to complete, and is well tolerated by patients under conscious sedation. Given the markedly lower cost, the shorter procedure and recovery times, and the ability to perform the procedure on an outpatient basis without the added risk of general anesthesia, we will strongly favor Vertebroplasty over Kyphoplasty in the treatment of symptomatic compression fractures.

Typical Causes of Vertebral Body Compression Fractures

• Primary osteoporosis - elderly females
• Secondary osteoporosis - young, steroid users

Early Intervention May Reduce:

• Duration of acute pain
• Height loss
• Duration of immobilization
• Use of analgesics
• Occurrence of chronic pain
• Incidence of pneumonia
• Further collapse of the treated vertebral body

Benefits Of Vertebroplasty

• Pain Relief
• Improved Mobility
• Quick Mobility - within 24 hours

Vertebroplasty is a well-tolerated procedure but does not correct the underlying cause of the vertebral fracture. Talk with your physician about medical management of what is causing vertebral fractures.