Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty involves the injection of medical grade cement into a painful fractured vertebral body through a needle; this, in turn, stabilizes the fracture, allowing most patients to discontinue or significantly decrease analgesics and resume normal activity.

It is performed under local anesthesia and light sedation. A small nick is then made in the skin near the spine, and a needle is inserted. Biocompatible bone cement is then injected through the needle and into the vertebral body. The needle is removed and the cement is allowed to harden. The small opening is covered with a bandage.

Candidates for the procedure include men and women who have chronic back pain (at least 6 weeks) and debilitation due to a vertebral body fracture. Most patients are elderly (average age 70 years), but younger patients with osteoporosis, due to metabolic disorders or long-term steroid treatment, may also benefit from vertebroplasty. Some patients with vertebral destruction from malignant tumors chronic back pain are also candidates for the procedure.

Within a few hours, patients are up and moving around with significant relief from chronic back pain. Most go home the same day.

Patients will receive follow-up care from their Illinois Pain Institute physician. To hasten recovery and regain satisfactory levels of activity, patients may benefit from physical therapy or short-term back bracing.

Studies have shown that from 75 percent to 90 percent of people treated with vertebroplasty will have complete or significant reduction of their chronic back pain.