Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty is a new treatment for painful osteoporotic compression fractures. Osteoporosis, usually occurring in women over the age of 60, results in approximately 700,000 vertebral fractures every year. The majority (over 80%) of these fractures are associated with severe back pain which may last for several weeks to months. Until the introduction of vertebroplasty, treatment has been limited to pain management with narcotics, bed rest, and occasionally, bracing.

Vertebroplasty is a safe, nonsurgical treatment that involves the injection of a medical cement, poly-methylmethacrylate, into the fractured vertebra. The procedure is performed under x-ray guidance by an interventional radiologist. Only conscious sedation is required and patients are discharged the following morning. Major complications occur in only less than one percent of patients. The injection of the cement into the fractured vertebra results in stabilization of the fracture. About 90% of patients experience near complete or complete relief of their pain within 24-48 hours.

While the majority of patients who undergo vertebroplasty have spinal fractures related to postmenopausal osteoporosis, any patients with osteoporosis and a vertebral fracture is a candidate. Patients with malignant vertebral compression fractures can also be treated.

For questions regarding vertebroplasty or to arrange a referral, call the St. Elizabeth Vertebroplasty Service at (859) 301-5452.