What is vertebroplasty?

A procedure that can stabilize the fracture and help alleviate pain caused by compression fractures.

How is vertebroplasty performed?

1. A needle is inserted through the skin and into the crushed or fractured vertebral body.
2. Acrylic bone cement is slowly injected into the bone. The doctor may also choose to use an additional curved needle if more precise, targeted cement placement is desired.
3. Shortly after placement, the bone cement hardens and stabilizes the fractured or collapsed vertebral body.

What should you expect?

• Typically performed in a hospital or outpatient setting.
• Local anesthesia is given to prevent pain during the procedure.
• Light IV sedation is given to increase comfort and help the patient lie very still during the procedure.
• Some patients require general anesthesia.
• Following the procedure, patients are usually monitored for one to two hours or until their doctor determines it is safe for them to get up, move around and be discharged.
• Some patients are kept overnight for observation following the procedure.