What is vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of acute spinal fractures. In vertebroplasty, a cement mixture is injected into the fractured bone through a hollow needle.
Vertebroplasty is performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic. You may be given local anesthesia and may also receive medicine to help you relax and feel sleepy. You may also receive general anesthesia.
Vertebroplasty is recommended when other less invasive treatments have not been successful.
Why is it performed?
Vertebroplasty is usually recommended when other less invasive treatments have not been successful, such as rest, the use of a back support or the administration of painkillers; or when medications have begun to produce undesirable side effects, such as ulcers or stomach problems.
What does it consist of?
This technique consists of the injection of a special type of surgical cement through a precision puncture under radioscopic guidance. After administering local anesthesia, a needle is introduced into the fracture site and the cement is injected in a controlled manner. Once the cement sets within minutes, the fracture is consolidated.
Preparing for vertebroplasty
- The week before your procedure:
- Have the correct date, time and location of the procedure written down.
- Arrange for travel home after the procedure. Ask a family member or friend to drive you home after your surgery or procedure. Do not drive yourself.
- Bring all of your medication bottles or a list of your medications with you to your appointment. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications. Tell your doctor if you use herbal products, nutritional supplements, or over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications.
- Ask your doctor if you need to stop using aspirin or any other prescription or over-the-counter medications before your procedure or surgery.
- You may need a spinal x-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or bone scan. You may also need blood tests before your procedure. Consult your physician for more information on these and other tests you may need.
- The night before your procedure:
- Ask your doctors for your eating and drinking instructions.
Post-procedure care
Most people are able to walk after the procedure. You may need to stay in bed for 24 hours afterward, after which time you can slowly resume normal activity.
Many patients experience pain relief soon after vertebroplasty. Most report that their pain is gone or much better within 48 hours.