Vertebroplasty

Until recently, bed rest and pain medications were the only treatments available. If left untreated, the patient will often experience additional fractures and develop a hunched over deformity of the spine. This can become more pronounced, more painful, and more debilitating. Today there are minimally invasive treatments, such as Vertebroplasty, which are safe and very effective. 80-90% of patients will have significant or complete pain reduction.

The image below shows a Fractured Vertebra

A needle is directed under x-ray guidance into the fractured vertebrae. Bone cement is injected into the vertebrae to stabilize it. The procedure takes about one hour to perform. The procedure is performed with both conscious (IV) sedation and local anesthesia. Some patients feel immediate pain relief with most reporting pain significantly improved within 48 hours.

Restored Vertebra with hardened cement