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Vertebral Augmentation - Reinforce Compressed vertebrae with Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure utilizing medical cement to strengthen a compressed vertebra, typically damaged by osteoporosis, cancer or trauma. A small incision is made in the patient’s back and a cannula is inserted into the vertebral body through the pedicle under fluoroscopic control. Cement is injected slowly until the image shows a well dispersed mass. This mechanical reinforcement partially restores the structural integrity of the weakened vertebrae and 75% to 90% of the patients experience an immediate pain relief within 24 hours.1,2
Although vertebroplasty is generally considered to be safe, as with all treatment options, there are risks associated with the procedure. Your doctor can discuss with you the potential complications and will determine if you are candidate for vertebroplasty.
- Heini PF, Walchli B, Berlemann U. Percutanous transpedicular vertebroplasty with PMMA: operative technique and early results. A prospective study for the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures. Eur Spine J 2000;9:445–50.
- Mehbod A, Aunoble S, Le Huec JC. Vertebroplasty for osteoporotic spine fracture: prevention and treatment. In: Aebi M, Gunzburg R, Szpalski M, eds. The Aging Spine. Berlin, Germany: Springer; 2005:73–80
