Locations & Hours | Radiology Services & Procedures | Insurance Info | Policies & Payments Vertebroplasty General Information People who suffer from painful compression fractures of the spine related to loss of bone mineral (osteoporosis) and other causes might find relief with this new procedure being offered by Radiologists at Radiology Alliance. More than 700,000 symptomatic vertebral compression fractures occur each year in the United States; the majority in postmenopausal women. Most of these fractures are caused by osteoporosis. Other causes of fragile bones include the use of steroids to treat a variety of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and lupus. While vertebral fractures can occur without pain, often they cause intense, radiating and even debilitating pain that limits mobility and severely impacts the quality of life for many individuals. Although conservative therapy including external bracing, bed rest and pain medication may control the pain level for some patients, others may not experience adequate relief. Frequently Asked Questions: What is vertebroplasty? A new non-surgical technique called percutaneous vertebroplasty (pronounced ver-TEE-bro-plasty), offers hope to people who previously have had few options. The procedure involves injecting bone cement into the vertebrae where a compression fracture exists, stabilizing the fracture and relieving the pain. Over several weeks, two-thirds of patients can expect a marked decrease in their doses of pain medications. Many patients become symptom-free. Three-quarters of patients can expect to increase their mobility and activity levels. Vertebroplasty cannot correct curvature of the spine caused by osteoporosis and compression fractures, but may help to prevent worsening curvature. The procedure treats only the fractured vertebra. It does not prevent future compression fracture at other levels. How is Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Performed? Before the vertebroplasty procedure, patients are given a mild sedative or sometimes anesthesia. To perform the minimally invasive operation, a radiologist places a needle through the skin into the area of the spine needing treatment. X-ray (fluoroscopy) is used to help guide the needle. Once the needle is positioned properly, special liquid cement (called polymethylmethacrylate) is injected into the spinal fracture. The liquid cement is a special medical compound commonly used to cement artificial joints in place. It is mixed with a barium powder so that it can be seen under the x-ray machine during injection. The cement hardens, stabilizing the fracture. Is the procedure safe? Vertebroplasty is very safe, although as with any procedure, care must be taken to avoid complications. The injection technique has been successfully used for a number of years in the U.S. to treat osteoporotic spinal fractures and other conditions leading to fractures of the spine. The bone cement used to stabilize the fractured vertebrae has been shown to be safe through many years of use in joint replacement surgeries and other orthopedic procedures, although it is slightly modified for this procedure to allow visualization on X-ray. You should always ask your doctor to discuss risks and complications with you before you undergo any procedure. Who is a candidate for vertebroplasty? People who have suffered recent compression fractures that are causing them moderate to severe back pain are the best candidates for vertebroplasty. In some cases, older fractures may be treated successfully, but the procedure is most successful if it is performed within a few weeks to several months after the fracture occurs. The procedure is not used to treat chronic back pain due to other causes, such as arthritis and herniated disks. How successful is vertebroplasty? Studies have shown that from 75 percent to 90 percent of people treated with vertebroplasty will have complete or significant reduction of their pain. The physicians at Radiology Alliance P.C. offer the service of percutaneous vertebroplasty. Ask your physician for a referral and we will be happy to evaluate the films of your spine and discuss with you whether you are a candidate for this procedure.