Vertebroplasty

What is vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure used to treat the pain associated with spinal compression fractures caused by osteoporosis, metastatic tumors or trauma. During vertebroplasty, the collapsed vertebra is stabilized with specially formulated acrylic bone cement. In addition to providing pain relief, vertebroplasty can prevent further collapse of the vertebra, height loss and spine curvature.

Who should have Vertebroplasty?
People with persistent back pain caused by vertebral compression fractures are potential candidates for vertebroplasty. The most common causes of these fractures are osteoporosis and bone tumors. Patients taking high doses of steroids for the control of diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease might also be candidates. Consult your primary care physician or a qualified vertebroplasty practitioner to determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure.

How can Vertebroplasty help me?
In most patients, Vertebroplasty provides immediate and lasting relief of pain related to vertebral compression fractures. Many patients return to their normal activities within only a few days of having the procedure, and most report continued relief from pain months and years later.

What is involved in Vertebroplasty?
The procedure is typically performed in the radiology suite, where the patient lies face down on a table. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the affected area of the patient's spine, where the physician inserts one or two needles through a small incision in the patient's skin. Under x-ray guidance, the physician inserts the needles into the fractured vertebra and slowly injects a small amount of bone cement into the vertebra. The patient is kept for observation for a few hours following the procedure. In rare cases, the patient is kept overnight for observation.

How long does Vertebroplasty take?
Patients typically spend about an hour in the radiology suite for treatment of a single vertebra. Each vertebra takes about a half hour, so treatment of multiple vertebral fractures takes longer. Patients typically spend two to three hours following the procedure in a comfortable observation area to be sure there are no complications or side effects. There is typically no hospitalization associated with Vertebroplasty.

What is the success rate, and what are the risks?
Most patients report significant pain relief within a few hours of the procedure. The most recent studies report 90% and higher success rates for significantly relieving pain associated with vertebral compression fractures. The resulting benefits in quality of life and well being are equally high; most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few days. Complications from the procedure are rare, affecting only about 1 - 3 % of patients with osteoporotic compression fractures. The success rate and potential complications depend upon each patient's health and other factors. You should discuss these risks and complications with your doctor.

What are the long-term effects of bone cement?
The acrylic cement used in vertebroplasty is similar in formation to the materials used extensively in orthopedic surgery since the 1960s. There are no known detrimental long-term effects.

Is Vertebroplasty covered by Medicare or private insurance?
Vertebroplasty is covered by Medicare in many states as well as by some private insurers. Contact your insurance agent or local Medicare office for more information on your coverage.

What should I do to find out more about Vertebroplasty?
Talk to your physician about vertebroplasty. If your physician feels you may be a candidate for the procedure, contact Dr. Gerald Micalizzi at (203) 732-7260.