Treatment

Vertebroplasty

Overview

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat painful spinal compression fractures, often caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or tumors. During the procedure, a special medical bone cement is injected into a fractured vertebra to stabilize it, relieve pain, and restore mobility. This treatment is especially effective for vertebral compression fractures that haven’t responded to conventional therapies.

Why Vertebroplasty Treatment is Required?

• To treat compression fractures of the vertebral column, especially in the thoracic or lumbar spine
• For osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures causing persistent or severe back pain
• When conservative treatments like bed rest, painkillers, or braces fail
• To avoid complications from fractured vertebrae, like height loss or spinal deformity
• For broken vertebrae treatment in elderly or high-risk patients who cannot undergo open surgery
• In cases of cracked vertebrae lumbar or vertebrae fracture due to cancer metastasis

Key Advantages of Vertebroplasty Treatment

• Quick pain relief often within 24 to 48 hours
• Minimally invasive, no large incisions
• Improves mobility and helps patients return to daily activities
• Reduces risk of further vertebral collapse
• Short recovery time compared to traditional fractured vertebrae surgery
• Can prevent the need for long-term pain medication
• Ideal for elderly patients and those with osteoporosis-related fractures

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Vertebroplasty Treatment

• Medical Evaluation: Your doctor will review imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to confirm vertebral fracture
• Stop Blood Thinners: If you are on anticoagulants, you may need to pause them before the procedure
• Fasting: Avoid eating or drinking anything for several hours before the procedure
• Discuss Allergies: Inform your doctor about any allergy to anesthesia or contrast dye
• Arrange Transport: You may need someone to accompany you home after the procedure

How Vertebroplasty Treatment is Performed?

• Local or general anesthesia is given depending on the case
• A thin needle is inserted into the fractured vertebra through the skin
• Under X-ray guidance, special bone cement is carefully injected into the cracked vertebra
• The cement hardens quickly, stabilizing the fracture
• The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes per vertebra

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

• Before Procedure:
• Medical tests and physical exam
• Imaging to locate the compression fracture of lumbar or thoracic vertebrae
• During Procedure:
• Mild sedation or anesthesia
• No major incision, only a small puncture site
• Injection of cement in bones to fix the fracture
• After Procedure:
• Monitoring for a few hours in recovery
• You can go home the same day or next day
• Mild soreness at the needle site may occur
• Gradual return to activities within a few days

Risk and Potential Complications

• Infection at injection site
• Bleeding or allergic reaction to materials
• Leakage of bone cement outside the vertebra
• Rare nerve damage or spinal cord compression
• In rare cases, new fractures may occur in nearby vertebrae

Results/Outcomes

• Significant pain relief in most patients within a few days
• Improved quality of life and restored ability to walk and move
• Stabilization of fractured vertebrae helps prevent deformity
• High success rate, especially when performed early
• Long-lasting results with proper post-treatment care and osteoporosis management