Vertebroplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat a compression fracture of the spinal vertebrae by restoring the strength and height of the collapsed bone. It is usually performed for patients with severe pain that disables them from normal functions, if the pain has lasted for more than 2 months.
Indications for vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is indicated for treating the symptoms and complications of compression fractures of the spine. These may be due to osteoporosis, which is the most common cause; cancerous deposits in the spine; or spinal injuries, among other causes.
To assess suitability of patients for the procedure, they undergo a clinical evaluation and a physical examination, followed by imaging tests such as spine X-rays, and various scanning techniques such as MRI, CT, or isotope bone scans. These may help to localize the fracture site, as well as distinguish old fractures from new.
The aim of vertebroplasty is to provide mechanical stability to the damaged vertebra by injecting bone cement into it through a needle. Bone cement is chemically called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and it comes as a powder to which tantalum and barium sulfate is added to make it radio-opaque.
In most cases, vertebroplasty is carried out percutaneously, and is a minimally invasive procedure. It is performed as an outpatient procedure, under local anesthesia and image guidance.
Benefits
The benefits of vertebroplasty include relief from pain, as well as functional improvement, with better ability to carry out the activities of daily living and increased mobility.
Complications
Vertebroplasty may cause the usual complications that follow surgery, such as:
- Infection at the surgical site
- Bleeding and hematoma formation
- Allergic reactions to the anesthetics or other drugs used
- Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias
- Breathing abnormalities
- Specific complications include leakage of the bone cement into neighboring areas, causing irritation of the surrounding nerves and soft tissues. If it leaks into the venous system, pulmonary embolism may be the result.
References
- https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007512.htm
- https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/technology-assessments-details.aspx?TAId=26&SearchType=Advanced&CoverageSelection=Both&NCSelection=NCA%7CCAL%7CNCD%7CMEDCAC%7CTA%7CMCD&ArticleType=Ed%7CKey%7CSAD%7CFAQ&PolicyType=Both&s=All&CntrctrType=1&KeyWord=health&KeyWordLookUp=Title&KeyWordSearchType=Exact&ICD=525.65&CptHcpcsCode=22222&DateTag=C&bc=AAAAABAAAAAA&
Further Reading
- All Vertebroplasty Content
- Vertebroplasty Procedure
Last Updated: Aug 23, 2018
Written by
Dr. Liji Thomas
Dr. Liji Thomas is an OB-GYN, who graduated from the Government Medical College, University of Calicut, Kerala, in 2001. Liji practiced as a full-time consultant in obstetrics/gynecology in a private hospital for a few years following her graduation. She has counseled hundreds of patients facing issues from pregnancy-related problems and infertility, and has been in charge of over 2,000 deliveries, striving always to achieve a normal delivery rather than operative.
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