Vertebroplasty

Understanding Vertebroplasty: What Is It?

Vertebroplasty, also known as percutaneous vertebroplasty, is a minimally invasive treatment used to address vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). These fractures are small breaks in the bones of the spine (vertebrae) that can cause the spine to collapse or curve forward, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Osteoporosis is the leading cause of these fractures, although they can also result from trauma, long-term steroid use, or certain conditions like multiple myeloma and hemangiomas.

This procedure works by stabilizing the fractured vertebrae with a special type of bone cement, helping to realign the spine and relieve pain. When vertebrae break, the fragments can irritate surrounding nerves, which causes discomfort. By reinforcing the bone, vertebroplasty reduces this irritation, offering rapid and long-lasting pain relief and improving mobility.

Vertebroplasty vs. Kyphoplasty

Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty involve injecting medical cement into the fractured vertebra to relieve pain and restore bone height. However, vertebroplasty achieves spinal realignment externally—by positioning the patient in a way that allows the spine to extend—before the cement is injected.

How Vertebroplasty Is Performed

The procedure is done under real-time imaging using fluoroscopy to ensure precision and safety. At our pain clinic, Dr. Majid Ghauri carries out the treatment. A needle is guided into the fractured vertebra, and a fast-hardening bone cement called polymethylmethacrylate is injected. This cement stabilizes the fracture and helps return the spine to its natural curve.

Before the Procedure

Your doctor will do a physical exam and use imaging tools such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to locate the fracture. Pre-surgery instructions may include:

• Avoiding blood-thinning medications
• Taking prescribed medications
• Fasting for several hours
• Not smoking
• Wearing loose, comfortable clothing
• Removing any jewelry

On the Day of Surgery

Vertebroplasty is usually done as an outpatient procedure. After changing into a clinic gown, the patient lies face down on the treatment table. Sedation or general anesthesia is given. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a needle is inserted into the fractured bone, and bone cement is injected. The cement hardens within about 20 minutes, reinforcing the bone. Once the injection is complete, the needle is removed and the site is bandaged.

Patients typically remain under observation for 1–2 hours to monitor for any reactions to anesthesia or the procedure itself.

After the Procedure

Post-surgery, patients are asked to lie flat for up to six hours. Most people go home the same day, though some may stay overnight if monitoring is needed. Patients will need someone to drive them home. Aftercare instructions typically include:

• Keeping the bandage on for 48 hours
• Resting for 24 hours and using ice to ease soreness
• Avoiding strenuous activity or heavy lifting for several weeks
• Refraining from pushing, pulling, or stretching
• Using over-the-counter pain relief as recommended
• Avoiding driving for up to two weeks
• A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled for three weeks after the procedure.

Recovery Timeline

Minor soreness should resolve within a few days. Full recovery generally takes about three weeks. Depending on the patient’s condition, a back brace or physical therapy may be recommended.

Risks and Side Effects

As with any medical procedure, vertebroplasty carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, allergic reactions, or ongoing pain.