A surgeon discussing Vertebroplasty options with a patient in Florida
Treatment/Treatment Details

Vertebroplasty

Direct cement injection to stabilize painful compression fractures

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Cement Stabilization for Fractures

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that stabilizes a painful vertebral compression fracture by injecting bone cement into the collapsed vertebra. Unlike kyphoplasty, no balloon is used—cement is directly injected into the fracture site under imaging guidance. At Mountain Spine & Orthopedics, this procedure aims to reduce pain and improve mobility when conservative care is insufficient.

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Ideal Candidates

  • Patients with painful vertebral compression fractures from osteoporosis
  • Individuals with trauma-related fractures
  • Those with metastatic disease causing vertebral fractures
  • Best candidates have acute or subacute fractures (within 3-6 months)
  • Clear correlation between fracture level and pain symptoms
  • May also be used for painful vertebral hemangiomas or osteonecrosis

What Conditions does Vertebroplasty Help Ease?

This procedure may help with:

Adult Degenerative ScoliosisAdjacent Segment DiseaseLumbar Herniated DiscDegenerative Disc DiseaseSpondylolisthesisSpinal Compression Fractures
Medical illustration of Vertebroplasty procedure at Mountain Spine & Orthopedics.

The Vertebroplasty Technique

  1. Performed under X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) with local anesthesia and sedation
  2. A needle is inserted through the skin into the fractured vertebra
  3. Bone cement (PMMA) is carefully injected to fill the fracture voids
  4. The cement stabilizes the bone and prevents further collapse
  5. Procedure typically takes 30-45 minutes per level
  6. Often performed as an outpatient procedure with same-day discharge

Benefits of Vertebroplasty

  • Quick pain relief for many patients within days
  • Outpatient procedure with rapid recovery
  • Small incision (percutaneous) approach
  • Low complication rate with experienced specialists
  • Stabilizes fracture preventing further collapse
  • Improves mobility and quality of life dramatically

What to Expect After Vertebroplasty

Recovery Timeline: Same Day to 1 Week

Most patients go home the same day. Pain often improves within 48 hours as cement stabilizes the fracture. Activity guidance focuses on gradual return to function while addressing bone health to prevent future fractures. Physical Therapy may be recommended to improve strength and prevent falls. Weight-bearing activities can typically resume quickly under medical guidance.

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Revision Spinal SurgeryMultilevel Degenerative Disc Disease SurgerySpinal Fusion SurgeryArtificial Disc Replacement SurgeryMotion Preservation Spine SurgeryDegenerative Disc Disease SurgeryDisc Replacement vs Fusion: What You Need to KnowAging Management

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose vertebroplasty vs kyphoplasty?

Choice depends on fracture characteristics, anatomy, and surgeon preference. Vertebroplasty is simpler and may be preferred for flat fractures where height restoration isn't expected. Kyphoplasty may be chosen when height restoration is a goal. Both effectively stabilize fractures.

How is diagnosis confirmed before vertebroplasty?

Diagnosis requires imaging (X-ray, MRI, or CT) showing a compression fracture PLUS correlation between fracture level and your pain location. Sometimes a physical exam finding (tenderness over the fracture) helps confirm the painful level, especially if multiple fractures exist.

Can vertebroplasty be done for old fractures?

It's most effective for acute or subacute fractures (typically within 2-3 months of occurrence). Chronic fractures (more than 6 months old) may not respond as well since pain may be from other sources rather than fracture instability.

What are the risks of vertebroplasty?

Risks include cement leakage into surrounding spaces (usually asymptomatic), infection, bleeding, nerve irritation if cement leaks toward nerves, and increased fracture risk at adjacent levels. Serious complications are rare with proper technique.

What aftercare is needed after vertebroplasty?

Activity guidance (gradual increase), pain management as needed, bone health optimization (medications, calcium, vitamin D), fall prevention strategies, and follow-up imaging to monitor healing and check for adjacent fractures.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If vertebral compression fracture is causing severe persistent pain despite conservative care, schedule a consultation to discuss candidacy. Free imaging review available.

Locations Offering Evaluation

Our board-certified specialists offer vertebroplasty evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.

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