What is a vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty is a procedure that allows the doctor to inject a glue-like material, through a needle, into and around the vertebrae.

• The glue holds your vertebrae together. This will help take the pain away in your back and prevent damage to your spine.

What are vertebrae?

The spine (backbone) is made of 29 small bones called vertebrae.

Why do I need a vertebroplasty?

• Vertebral hemangiomas-- common, and non-cancerous tumors of the spine that press on the vertebrae.
• Osteoporotic compression fracture-- the vertebrae break easily because of weak bones or minor injury to the back.
• Spinal tumors-- cancerous tumors of the spine that press on the vertebrae.
• Each one of these can cause the vertebrae to break causing extreme pain.
• A vertebroplasty can repair the broken vertebrae and/or prevent further damage of more vertebrae.

Where is the vertebroplasty performed?

It is performed in the Interventional Radiology Department.

Who will perform the vertebroplasty?

One of our specially trained Interventional Radiologists.

What can I expect before the vertebroplasty?

• You will be seen by one of our doctors and/or nurse clinicians, who will obtain a health history, perform a brief physical exam, explain the procedure and answer your questions.
• You will have blood drawn and an IV (intravenous) catheter started.
• You will have x-rays, a CT (computed tomography) scan, and/or MRI (magnetic resonance image) exam of your spine.
• You will be requested to sign a consent form.

   

What can I expect during the vertebroplasty?

• You will be attached to a monitor so that IV (intravenous) medications can be given to relax you.
• You will lie on your stomach on the x-ray table.
• Your back will be cleaned with special soap.
• The doctor will numb the skin over your spine with special medicine, through a needle.
• The doctor will insert a needle into your spine.
• The doctor will insert the needle into your vertebrae, inject x-ray dye, and take x-rays.
• The glue-like material will be injected through the needle.
• Often, it is necessary to make more than one needle insertion to fix the broken vertebrae. The doctor will numb the skin for each needle insertion.

   

What can I expect after the vertebroplasty?

• You will have a CT (computed tomography) scan of your spine immediately after your procedure.
• You will be observed in the recovery area up to 4 hours.
• You will be on bed rest for 3 hours. A nurse will assist you with sitting up and/or walking after your bed rest time is over.
• Some patients may have to stay longer or even stay overnight in the hospital. The doctor will discuss this with you.
• You will need a follow up exam, by your doctor, in one week.

   

What are the risks of a vertebroplasty?

• Infection and bleeding at the puncture site.
• Pressure on the spinal cord from bleeding or swelling.
• Leakage of glue around the spinal cord causing pressure on the nerve roots coming from the spinal cord.
• Lung puncture with procedures of the thoracic vertebrae.

What are the benefits of a vertebroplasty?

Relief of pain and prevention of further damage to the vertebrae.

What are the alternatives to a vertebroplasty?

• Using medicine to control the pain.
• Surgical repair of the vertebrae.