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What is vertebroplasty?
Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure treating the pain of vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis and metastatic tumors.

During vertebroplasty, the collapsed or fractured vertebra is reinforced with specially formulated acrylic bone cement. In addition to providing pain relief, vertebroplasty can prevent further collapse of the vertebra, additional height loss and spine curvature.

Who should have vertebroplasty?
Patients with persistent back pain caused by vertebral compression fractures or people taking high doses of steroids to control diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease might also be candidates. Consult your primary care physician or call us at 610-327-7236 to determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure.

How can vertebroplasty help me?
In the majority of patients, vertebroplasty provides relief of pain related to vertebral compression fractures. Recovery is rapid - many patients return to normal activity within days after the procedure and most report continued relief from pain months and years later.

What is involved in vertebroplasty?
The outpatient procedure is typically performed in a radiology suite, where the patient lies face down on a table. Local anesthesia numbs the damaged area of the spine. The doctor inserts one or two needles into a small incision in the patient's skin. Through x-ray guidance, the physician inserts the needles into the fractured vertebra and injects a small amount (~1/4 ounce) of bone cement into the vertebra, which hardens quickly. The patient is observed for a few hours following the procedure. In rare cases, the patient is kept overnight. Review how this procedure works.

Lateral radiograph of fractured vertebra shows the initial placement of the needle.
Injection of methylmethacrylate through the needle in anterior one third of the vertebral body.
Compression fracture after vertebroplasty.

How long does vertebroplasty take?
Patients typically spend 1 to 2 hours in the radiology suite for treatment of a single vertebra. Each vertebra takes about half an hour, so treatment of multiple vertebral fractures takes longer. Patients typically spend two to three hours after the procedure in a comfortable observation area to be sure there are no complications or side effects. Read more about post-operative details.

What is the success rate, and what are the risks?
Most patients report significant pain relief within a few hours of the procedure. Studies report over 90% and higher success rates for significantly relieving the pain of vertebral compression fractures. The benefits in quality of life improvement are equally high: most patients are able to return to normal activity within a few days. Complications from the procedure are rare, affecting only about 1-3% of patients with osteoporotic compression fractures.

The success rate and potential complications depend upon each patient's health and other factors. You should discuss these risks and complications with your doctor.

What are the long-term effects of bone cement?
The acrylic cement used in vertebroplasty is similar in formulation to the materials used to anchor the components of hip and knee replacements to healthy bone in orthopedic surgery. It has been used extensively since the 1960s. The FDA considers it to be a lifetime implant and there are no known detrimental long-term effects.

Is vertebroplasty covered by Medicare or private insurance?
Medicare and some private insurers cover vertebroplasty in many states. Contact your insurance agent or local Medicare office for more information.

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