Who are the best candidates for vertebroplasty?

People who have experience vertebral fractures causing moderate to severe back pain despite conservative therapy such as bed rest and pain relieving medications.

What causes a vertebral compression fracture?

The leading cause of vertebral body compression fracture is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bone becomes thin and weak. Osteoporosis currently accounts for 700,000 vertebral fractures each year. Other causes for these fractures maybe due to the use of steroids used to treat asthma, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. A simple cough, bending over, or sudden movement could cause a vertebral facture if you have osteoporosis. For more information, please visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation website.

How soon after my fracture can I have this done?

Vertebral fractures are best treated the earlier they are diagnosed. Older fractures can be treated however it is better to identify these fractures early on.

What is a vertebroplasty?

A vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure which has demonstrated highly successful outcomes. Vertebroplasty has been proven to significantly reduce the chronic pain associated with vertebral fracture. Success rates as high as 90% have been reported world wide.

What do I need to bring the day of my procedure?

Bring recent x-rays and MRI films and reports that pertain to your fracture.

What about my current medications I take?

Do not take NSAIDS (ibuprofen) for 3 days prior to your procedure. Do not take any aspirin, or ASA containing products (such as Alka-Seltzer and Pepto-Bismol for 5 days prior to your procedure.

Can I eat the day of my procedure?

Do not take food or drink prior to your procedure. You may take sips f water with medication if needed.

Can I drive home when done?

No. You must arrange for transportation home from another person following your procedure.

What should I expect?

You will have an IV started in your arm this will allow us to administer conscious sedation and other medication if needed. Vertebroplasty is a procedure where a needle is inserted through the skin into the painful vertebral body. Bone cement (poly-methylmethacrylate) is then injected into the vertebral body to stabilize the fracture.

Is this surgery?

No. This procedure is done under fluoroscopy (x-ray guidance) to verify the position of the needle and cement during the procedure.

How long is the procedure?

The procedure takes less than an hour. Patients arrive about an hour before the procedure and get to go home the same day. You will be at Advanced Medical Imaging about 3-4 hours.

Will I be awake during this procedure?

Yes. You will be given a mild sedative along with a local anesthesia where the needle will be inserted.

What type of recovery is involved?

You will remain at our facility on bed rest 2-3 hours after the procedure. Your vital signs will be monitored during this time. You will be offered liquids and if it those are tolerated well you will be offered a snack. You will be asked to follow up with the ordering physician. Most patients experience immediate pain relief within minutes to hours of the procedure.