Vertebroplasty is a nonsurgical therapeutic technique for treating compression fractures of the spine. A compression fracture is a collapse of the bone, usually caused by osteoporosis or cancer. This therapy stabilizes the weakened or crushed bone, decreasing the pain and helping to prevent further fractures at that site. The therapy is performed by inserting a special needle into the affected bone and injecting a glue-like cement substance, which strengthens the internal structure of the bone. Vertebroplasty relieves pain and increases mobility for more than 80 percent of patients.
A GBI Radiologist who specializes in this procedure will see you in our outpatient clinic and evaluate you and your history to make sure you can benefit from the procedure. An MRI or CT scan and lab work usually are ordered in preparation of vertebroplasty.
Your procedure will require mild sedation, and anesthetic. You will be positioned comfortably on your stomach while the GBI Radiologist uses a fluoroscope to position the needle and insert it into the fractured bone. You will be monitored throughout the hour-long procedure by our staff and will be able to return home about two hours after the procedure.
Most patients feel pain relief from their fracture as soon as the procedure is complete.
Side effects and complications:
Possible complications include infection, bleeding, pain, numbness or tingling. Paralysis is an extremely rare complication. The GBI Radiologist will discuss all of these possibilities with you and will answer any questions before you schedule a vertebroplasty.
Follow-up care:
You can expect to feel some soreness at the point of the needle insertion for two to three days. Ice or heat can help alleviate that discomfort. Bed rest is recommended for the 24-hour period following the procedure.
We will want to see you in our office about two weeks after your vertebroplasty.
You may not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before your procedure. Certain blood-thinning medications, including aspirin, may need to be discontinued for a period of days before your procedure. Your physician will give you more specific instructions.
Benefits:
Because the pain of a compression fracture is alleviated by vertebroplasty, patients feel significant relief almost immediately. After just a few weeks, two-thirds of patients are able to lower their doses of pain medication significantly. Many patients become symptom-free.
About 75 percent of patients regain lost mobility and become more active, which helps combat osteoporosis. After vertebroplasty, patients who had been immobile can get out of bed, reducing their risk of pneumonia. Increased activity builds more muscle strength, further encouraging mobility.
Risks:
Usually, vertebroplasty is a safe and effective procedure.
A small amount of orthopedic cement can leak out of the vertebral body. This does not usually cause a serious problem, unless the leakage moves into a potentially dangerous location such as the spinal canal.
Other possible complications include infection, bleeding, increased back pain and neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling. Paralysis is extremely rare. Sometimes the procedure causes another fracture in the spine or ribs.